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Google privacy policy says Gmail data can inform ads if AI sharing is on
Google’s Oct. 16 privacy policy update, reported by Ars Technica, The Verge and The Hacker News, says Gmail, Drive and Photos content can inform personalized ads if users opt into Personal Intelligence.
- Techmeme is now reporting this
- New headline Was: “Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising”
- Our desk filed its story
- New headline Was: “Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads”
- The Hacker News is now reporting this
2 earlier updates
- New headline Was: “Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads”
- Our desk filed its story
Google updated its privacy policy on Oct. 16 to say that content from Gmail, Drive and Google Photos can inform personalized ads if a user makes that data available to other Google services that support advertising, according to Ars Technica, The Verge and The Hacker News1,2,3.
The outlets said Android Authority first flagged the change1,3,4.
Previously, Google’s ad personalization section said it did not show personalized ads based on content from Drive, Gmail or Photos1,3.
The Verge reported that as of Oct. 16 the policy adds an exception covering users who choose to share that data with other Google services that support personalized ads3.
That sharing path is Personal Intelligence, a feature Google released in early 2026 that can connect Workspace apps and Photos to Gemini, AI Overviews and AI Mode so those tools can use the extra context in answers1,2,3.
The Hacker News quoted the policy as saying Search may process some of the data a user allows it to access to personalize content, including ads2.
Google told Ars Technica that connecting apps is opt-in and that “Ads will not be based directly on your Gmail inbox or Photos library”1.
A spokesperson told Ars the clarification does not change how Google handles the data with advertising partners, does not mean it scans entire inboxes to build ad profiles, and does not give this data to third parties1.
The Verge said advertisers do not receive Drive, Gmail or Photos information or personally identifying details such as a name or email address, and that Google says it will not show ads based on sensitive categories including race, sexual orientation, religion or health3.
Ars reported that Gemini itself does not currently carry ads, but sponsored content can appear in AI search tools, so data piped into those tools via Personal Intelligence could contribute to ad personalization there1.
Users who do not want this path can disconnect Workspace and Photos from Personal Intelligence in Gemini settings or under Google Account Data & privacy personalization controls, the outlets said1,2,3.
Android Authority, as summarized via Techmeme and cited by the others, said disconnecting an app may not erase information already stored in Search Services History4,1,3.
Sources
- Ars TechnicaUpdated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising
- The Hacker NewsGoogle Says Gmail and Photos Data Shared With AI Search Could Be Used for Targeted Ads
- The VergeNow Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads
- TechmemeGoogle updates its privacy policy to clarify it could use data shared via Personal Intelligence from connected apps, including Gmail and Photos, to target ads (Shimul Sood/Android Authority)
How it’s being reported
4 sourcesFirst reported by 
The Verge
Google Says Gmail and Photos Data Shared With AI Search Could Be Used for Targeted Ads
The policy exception and that default non-use of Gmail, Drive and Photos for ads still applies unless users share with other services.
Quotes the revised policy that Search may process allowed data to personalize content, including ads, when users share Gmail or Photos with AI search.
Leaves out Google’s separate statement to Ars about ads not being based directly on inboxes.
The VergeFirstNow Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads
The new unless-you-choose clause and that advertisers do not get identifying details or sensitive-category ads.
Says the Oct. 16 policy adds an exception so connecting Drive, Gmail or Photos to AI Mode and Search via Personal Intelligence can lead to ads based on that content.
Leaves out Google’s statement to Ars and Search Services History remaining after disconnect.
Google updates its privacy policy to clarify it could use data shared via Personal Intelligence from connected apps, including Gmail and Photos, to target ads (Shimul Sood/Android Authority)
Android Authority as the original spot of the policy change.
Roundup pointing to Android Authority’s report and follow-ups from The Verge, Ars Technica and others.
Leaves out Original reporting beyond the headline summary.
Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising
Leads with what someone said.
Turning on Personal Intelligence gives the company more data for ad targeting.
Where they agree
- Google updated the privacy policy on Oct. 16.
- The prior rule against using Gmail, Drive and Photos content for personalized ads now has an exception when users share that data with other Google services.
- Personal Intelligence is the opt-in mechanism that can connect those apps to Search and Gemini.
- Users can disconnect apps or turn off personalized recommendations.
Where they differ
Whether the change means personal data is now an element of ad targeting