Google Revises Terms to Allow Gmail and Photos Data for Ad Targeting

Google altered its privacy policy on October 16, 2026, adding a condition that could allow the company to use data from services like Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive for targeted advertising purposes. This change modifies the company's previous stance regarding the protection of user content within these specific applications.

The updated language introduces an exception to the standard assurance that Google does not use Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos content for ad personalization. The new policy states that this restriction applies "unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads." Consequently, enabling access to personal files for enhanced AI functionality may also activate the use of that content for advertising.

This policy modification is directly linked to the activation of personalized AI features within Google's ecosystem. Specifically, users who connect their Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to AI Mode and other Search tools through the Personal Intelligence feature may be subject to this change. This feature allows tools to provide better responses or recommendations by knowing more about the user, but it now also opens a pathway for ad targeting based on that content.

The policy outlines that users may choose to allow services such as Search or Gemini Apps to access data from other Google services, including Google Photos and Workspace apps like Gmail and Drive. The stated purpose for this access is to provide a more personalized experience. The policy explicitly notes that Search may process some of the data that you allow Search to access to personalize content, including ads.

Despite these changes, Google maintains specific boundaries regarding what advertisers can access. Advertisers do not receive access to the actual content of Drive, Gmail, or Photos. Furthermore, advertisers do not receive personally identifying details such as a user's name or email address. Google also restricts ad targeting based on sensitive categories such as race, sexual orientation, religion, or health.

The policy also describes how this personalization functions in practice. For example, Google may show personalized ads based on a user's interests, activity, or personalized content from Google services. If a user searches for 'mountain bikes,' in Search they may see ads for sports equipment on YouTube.

Users concerned about this change retain control over their data settings. To prevent personal data from being used for targeted ads, users can choose which apps to disconnect from Search's Personal Intelligence features. Alternatively, users can disable Personalized Recommendations entirely via the Search Services Personalization settings page.