Google has updated its privacy policy, creating an exception that allows the company to use data from Gmail and Google Photos for targeted advertisements. This modification, effective from October 16, applies to users who opt to enable Google's "Personal Intelligence" features.
Previously, Google's policy stated that content from Gmail, Drive, and Photos would not be used for personalized ads. The revised text now includes a clause allowing such data use "unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads." This exception is linked to Google's push for more integrated AI services, such as Gemini and enhanced Google Search, which can draw information from connected applications to provide more tailored responses.
For instance, if a user connects their Gmail to Google Search, the service could access reservation details from an email to suggest nearby restaurants. While this aims to enhance user experience by providing more relevant information, it also means that the data shared for these personalized services could influence the advertisements shown. Google maintains that advertisers will not receive personally identifying information, such as names or email addresses, without explicit user permission. Furthermore, the company states it will not use sensitive categories like race, sexual orientation, religion, or health for ad targeting.
Users concerned about this policy change can manage their settings through their Google Account. Options include disconnecting specific applications like Google Workspace or Google Photos from Personal Intelligence or disabling "Personalized Recommendations in Search Services." Additionally, users can opt out of personalized advertising altogether through Google's "My Ad Center." Google states that Personal Intelligence features are opt-in, meaning users must actively choose to connect their apps. However, previously saved data may remain in Search Services History even after disconnecting apps.
The update comes as Google continues to expand its AI capabilities across its product suite. Personal Intelligence aims to make AI services more useful by connecting information from various Google apps, including Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Calendar, to provide more tailored answers.