Google policy update ties 25% of user files to ad targeting

Google has revised its privacy policy to allow advertisers to use content from personal accounts for targeted ads. The change affects users who connected their Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to AI Mode and other Search tools via the Personal Intelligence feature.

Before October 16, the company's policy stated it would not use data from those services for personalized ads. The updated text now includes an exception. The pledge holds only if a user has not chosen to make that data available to other Google services that support personalized ads.

This shift means that when a person links their personal files to get better answers from AI tools, the same data can now inform what ads they see. Google says this process is part of providing a more personalized experience. The policy notes that Search may process permitted data to tailor content, including advertisements.

The company outlines specific limits to protect user privacy. Advertisers do not receive direct access to the files themselves. They also do not get personally identifying details like names or email addresses. Google states it will not use sensitive categories for targeting, such as race, sexual orientation, religion, or health status.

The policy explains how this personalization works in practice. It gives an example where a user searches for mountain bikes in Search. Later, that user might see ads for sports equipment on YouTube based on that interest. The text notes that depending on settings, Google may show ads based on interests, activity, or personalized content from its services.

Users who want to prevent this data usage have two main options. They can disconnect specific apps from the Personal Intelligence features in Search. Alternatively, they can turn off Personalized Recommendations entirely through the Search Services Personalization settings page. This allows individuals to control how much of their account data influences their ad experience.

The revision was first noticed by Android Authority. It represents a departure from the simple language used in previous versions of the policy. The change specifically targets the subset of users who actively opted into the Personal Intelligence feature to enhance their search and AI interactions.