Google Privacy Policy Update: How Gmail and Photos Data Could Target Ads

By Anika Shah - Technology Updated October 23, 2026

Google has updated its privacy policy to allow information from apps such as Gmail, Drive, and Photos to inform personalized ads when users explicitly share that content with other Google services, Ars Technica reported. The October 16 policy change dismantles a long-standing firewall that explicitly barred personal content from influencing targeted advertising.

Personal Intelligence Connects Private Data to AI Search

The policy shift coincides with Google’s early 2026 rollout of Personal Intelligence, a feature designed to feed user data from multiple apps into AI products like the Gemini app, AI Overviews, and AI Mode search. According to reporting by Android Authority, the tool aims to generate more relevant answers by pulling context from personal accounts, such as scanning a hotel reservation in Gmail to suggest nearby restaurants in Google Search. However, Search Engine Land noted that Google has begun testing ads directly within AI Mode for users who enable Personal Intelligence. Because AI search tools display sponsored content, data shared through Personal Intelligence now directly contributes to ad personalization parameters, according to the updated privacy documentation.

Google Clarifies That Ads Will Not Use Gmail or Photos

The Verge highlighted specific phrasing from the updated policy, noting that Google explicitly states search features may process accessible data to personalize content, including advertisements. Android Authority emphasized that Google maintains a strict distinction regarding how ads are targeted. Google issued a full statement clarifying its position:

Google Says Gmail and Photos Data Could Help Personalize Ads — If Users Opt InGoogle has updated its privacy policy to clarify how personal data from services such as Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos may be used across other Google products.The key point is that Google… pic.twitter.com/KrY8ptphUV

— https://x.com/techamericaofcl/status/2113680375453003997

Connecting your apps is entirely opt-in. Ads will continue to be relevant to things like your query, the context of the response and your interests. Ads will not be based directly on your Gmail inbox or Photos library, and as always, sensitive information will not be used to tailor ads.

While Google asserts that ads are not based directly on raw inbox or photo library contents, the policy wording confirms that insights and summaries derived from connected apps during AI interactions can inform advertising interests.

Managing Connected App Permissions

Users who prefer to restrict Google Search from accessing personal content can adjust their account settings. Android Authority outlined the steps required to revoke permissions: users must open their Google Account, go to Data & privacy, select Personalization settings, and choose Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search Services. Within Additional Personal Intelligence, users can disconnect Google Workspace and Google Photos to stop Search from querying local files and messages.