Google has updated its privacy policy to allow personal data from Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos to target advertisements when users utilize specific personalized artificial intelligence features. Ars Technica reported the policy change, which Android Authority first spotted.
Google added an exception on October 16th to its previous promise that it would not use Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos data for personalized ads. The new rule applies to users who connect those services to AI Mode and other Search tools through Google's Personal Intelligence feature.
Users allow these AI tools to provide better responses by accessing personal data from Google Photos and Workspace applications like Gmail and Drive. Search may process data from these connected services to personalize content, including advertisements, according to the policy text.
Privacy settings and exclusions
Google stated that advertisers do not receive access to Drive, Gmail, and Photos information or personally identifying details such as names or email addresses. The company also stated it will not show ads based on sensitive categories like race, sexual orientation, religion, or health.
Users can prevent their personal data from being used for targeted ads by disconnecting specific apps from Search's Personal Intelligence features. Alternatively, individuals can disable Personalized Recommendations entirely through the Search Services Personalization settings page.
