Google Policy Update Allows Ads Based on Gmail and Drive Contents for AI Users

For users who have linked their personal files to Google’s AI tools, advertising is now potentially shaped by the contents of their Gmail, Drive, and Photos accounts. The change reverses a long-standing company pledge that data from these specific services would not be used for personalized ads. The exception applies to individuals who have connected these services to AI Mode and other Search tools through the Personal Intelligence feature.

Google maintained that it would not use data from Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for personalized advertising until the policy was updated on October 16. The revision, first identified by Android Authority, adds a specific qualifier to the previous language. The updated text states that the commitment holds unless the user chooses to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads. This allows tools to draw on a person's own content to provide tailored answers, and under the new terms, to target ads using that same content.

The policy update defines the scope of data sharing. It explains that services like Search or Gemini Apps may reach data from other Google products, including Photos and Workspace apps, to provide a more personalized experience. Search may process permitted data to personalize content, including ads. The document notes that depending on user settings, personalized ads may be shown based on interests, activity, or personalized content from Google services. An example provided in the policy illustrates that a user searching for mountain bikes in Search might later see ads for sports equipment on YouTube.

Google has outlined specific limits to the new practice. Advertisers do not receive direct access to the information held in a user's Drive, Gmail, or Photos. They also do not receive personally identifying details such as a name or email address. The company states that it will not show ads based on sensitive categories, which include race, sexual orientation, religion, or health.

Users who prefer to keep their personal data out of ad targeting have specific options available. They can select which apps to disconnect from Search's Personal Intelligence features. Alternatively, they can switch off Personalized Recommendations entirely through the Search Services Personalization settings page.

The policy text describes the mechanism for ad personalization more broadly. It states that Google may show personalized ads based on interests, activity, or personalized content from Google services, subject to the policies and settings of the accessing service. The company offers the mountain bike example to illustrate how data from one service can inform advertising on another.