Google Updates Privacy Policy for AI and Personalized Ads
A recent policy change from Google opens the door for targeted advertising based on personal data utilized by AI tools.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
The Privacy Policy Update
Google has revised its terms, creating potential changes for how user information is handled across its ecosystem. As initially spotted by [Android Authority](https://www.androidauthority.com/google-personal-intelligence-privacy-3727111/), an update to [its privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en-US#infocollect) introduces a significant exception regarding how personal data is utilized.
Previously, the tech giant promised it would not use information stored in Google Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to power personalized advertisements. However, a new line added to the terms on October 16th alters that commitment "unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads."
Connection to Personalized AI Features
The policy shift directly impacts users who engage with artificial intelligence tools that rely on personal context. According to further reporting published in [Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1017600/google-personal-intelligence-privacy-policy-ads-update), connecting Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to AI Mode and other Search tools via Google’s Personal Intelligence feature could result in targeted advertising based on that content.
These tools are designed to provide enhanced responses and recommendations by accessing a user's personal information. Under the updated terms, sharing data to improve AI recommendations simultaneously opens that information up to influence personalized ad delivery.
What Advertisers Can and Cannot Access
Despite the expansion in how data is utilized for ad targeting, Google maintains certain safeguards regarding user privacy. Advertisers are not granted direct access to private information stored within Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
Furthermore, personally identifying details such as a user's name or email address are withheld from third-party advertisers. Google also states that it will not serve ads based on sensitive categories, including a person's race, sexual orientation, religion, or health status.
Google's Stance and Operational Scope
Explaining the changes, Google noted that certain services like Search or Gemini Apps can access data from Workspace applications and Google Photos to deliver tailored experiences. This processing is subject to the policies of the accessing service.
Google provided examples of how activity crosses service boundaries, stating that searching for specific items in Search may result in related advertisements appearing across other platforms, such as YouTube.
Managing Your Privacy Settings
Users who prefer to keep their personal data separate from advertising algorithms have options to adjust their preferences. Individuals can disconnect specific applications from Search’s Personal Intelligence features.
Additionally, users can completely disable personalized recommendations by visiting the [Search Services Personalization settings page](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/17026260?sjid=7072068385027521845-EU) to prevent their personal information from influencing future ad targeting.
Sources
- The VergeNow Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads
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