Google privacy update exposes personal data to ads for 1 in 4 users

Google changed its privacy policy on October 16. The update allows the company to use data from personal accounts for ad targeting. This applies to users who connect certain services to AI Mode.

The shift creates an exception to Google’s previous rules. For years, the company stated it would not use data from Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for personalized ads. The new policy adds a qualifier. The commitment holds only if users do not share that data with other Google services that support ads.

The change targets people using the Personal Intelligence feature. This tool connects Drive, Gmail, or Photos to Search and AI Mode. It allows these tools to access personal content for better answers. Under the new terms, that same access permits ad targeting based on the file contents.

Google says it limits what advertisers see. Advertisers do not get direct access to the files. They also do not receive personally identifying details like names or email addresses. The company says it will not show ads based on sensitive categories. These include race, sexual orientation, religion, or health.

The policy text explains the mechanism. Users may allow services like Search or Gemini Apps to reach data from other products. This is done to provide a more personalized experience. Search may process this data to personalize content and ads. For example, a search for mountain bikes could lead to sports equipment ads on YouTube.

Users can opt out of this practice. They can disconnect specific apps from Personal Intelligence. Or they can switch off Personalized Recommendations entirely. This is done through the Search Services Personalization settings page.

The revision was first noticed by Android Authority. It affects the way Google handles data for a specific group of users. Those users are those who have enabled the connection between personal files and AI tools.