Google links personal file data to ads for AI feature users

Google altered its privacy terms on October 16 to permit ad targeting based on the contents of Gmail, Drive, and Google Photos for specific users. This shift modifies a long-standing rule that prohibited the use of data from those personal storage services for personalized advertising. The change primarily affects individuals who have linked these applications to AI Mode and other search tools via the Personal Intelligence feature.

The company previously stated in its policy that it would not use data from Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for personalized ads. The updated text now includes a qualification. It says the commitment holds unless a user chooses to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads. This allows search tools to draw on a person's own content to provide tailored answers and recommendations.

Under the new terms, the data sharing that powers those tailored answers also feeds into ad targeting. Google clarifies that advertisers do not receive direct access to the information held in a user's accounts. They also do not receive personally identifying details such as a name or email address. The company states it will not show ads based on sensitive categories, including race, sexual orientation, religion, or health.

The policy text explains that users may allow certain Google services, such as Search or Gemini Apps, to reach data from other Google products. This access is intended to provide a more personalized experience, subject to the policies and settings of the accessing service. The document gives an example where Search processes permitted data to personalize content, including ads.

The update describes the broader mechanism of ad personalization. It notes that depending on settings, users may see personalized ads based on their interests, activity, or personalized content from Google services. As an illustration, a person who searches for mountain bikes in Search might later see ads for sports equipment on YouTube.

Users who want to keep their personal data out of ad targeting have specific options. They can select which apps to disconnect from Search's Personal Intelligence features. Alternatively, they can switch off Personalized Recommendations altogether through the Search Services Personalization settings page.