Reported by 3 outlets
The story so far
AI summary of the reporting below · Updated · How we work
Google quietly revised its privacy terms on October 16 to carve out a new exception regarding how it handles user content across its cloud services. While the company previously pledged never to use Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos files to personalize advertising, the updated language states that such data can now be leveraged if users choose to link those services to other Google products that support ad personalization. [2][3]
The change directly impacts people using Google's Personal Intelligence capabilities across Gemini, AI Mode, and Search tools. These artificial intelligence features pull personal information from connected apps to deliver tailored answers. By opting in to share Drive, Gmail, or Photos data with those eligible features, users effectively allow that content to be used for ad targeting. [2][3]
The data is not used for targeted ads by default, and customers retain the ability to disconnect individual apps or turn off personalized recommendations entirely. However, previously shared information might still linger in Search Services History after those connections are severed, according to Android Authority. [3]
If you’re an Android user, you’ve probably trusted Google with mountains of your own personal data over the last couple of decades. Now, a new privacy policy update suggests that the company is finally dipping into that data to target personalized ads, and you can’t opt out with disabling Personal Intelligence.
via 9to5Google
Google has updated its privacy policy in a way that could mean you'll start seeing targeted ads based on your personal data if you're using personalized AI features. The update, spotted by Android Authority, adds an exception to its promise about not using your Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for personalized ads. While the previous…
via The Verge