Google updated its privacy policy on October 16, removing a previous restriction that prevented using Gmail and Drive data for ad personalization. The change allows data shared with Google AI products via Personal Intelligence to inform ad targeting. Users can opt-in to Personal Intelligence, which connects data to the Gemini app and AI Mode search.
Google states ads will not be "based directly" on Gmail inbox content, but acknowledges personal data elements contribute to ad targeting in AI search. The policy update signals that Workspace and Photos data may inform ads when users interact with AI features. Privacy advocates warn this creates a significant privacy minefield for users of Google's AI ecosystem.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing