Google may now use your Gmail and Photos data to serve targeted ads through AI Search

Google has updated its privacy policy to allow Gmail, Drive, and Google Photos data to be used for personalized advertising under certain conditions, reversing part of its previous restrictions on using this content for ad targeting. As spotted by Android Authority, the change took effect on October 16 and introduces an exception when users allow other Google services to access their data. Google says advertisers do not receive emails or photo libraries directly.

The change is tied to Personal Intelligence, which allows Search and Gemini to use connected Gmail, Drive, and Photos data for "more personalized responses and recommendations". For example, a hotel reservation found in Gmail could help suggest nearby restaurants. The feature launched for paying subscribers in January and expanded to all US users in March.

Google's policy says that when Search accesses this data, it may use it to personalize both content and ads, meaning information derived from users' emails, files, or photos could influence ad targeting depending on their settings. To prevent this, users can disconnect Gmail, Drive, or Photos from Personal Intelligence, disable personalized recommendations in Search settings, or manage ad personalization separately through My Ad Center. Google says sensitive categories such as health and religion remain excluded from ad targeting.