Data Privacy: Google’s Revised Terms Link AI Personalization to Ad Targeting
A policy update now connects the use of personal content for AI features with its potential use for serving personalized advertising.
By Camila Rodriguez ·
Google has altered the terms governing how personal content is handled when users opt into AI-driven personalization features.
The timeline of this policy shift began with an update to Google’s privacy policy on October 16. Previously, the company’s policy stated that it did not utilize data from Google Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for the purpose of personalized advertising. The revised text introduces a specific condition to this guarantee, stating the restriction applies unless a user chooses to make data from those services available to other Google services that support personalized ads. This modification to the policy language was identified by Android Authority.
The practical implication of this change centers on Google’s Personal Intelligence features. When users connect their Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to AI Mode or other Search tools to allow these systems to provide more tailored responses, that data may now be used to generate targeted advertising. Under the new terms, utilizing data for enhanced AI recommendations is now explicitly linked to the potential for serving personalized ads based on that content.
Despite this link, Google maintains certain boundaries regarding the data. Advertisers do not receive direct access to the contents of Drive, Gmail, or Photos, nor do they receive personally identifying information such as a user’s name or email address. Furthermore, Google specifies that advertisements will not be targeted based on sensitive categories, including race, sexual orientation, religion, or health.
The policy text outlines the mechanism for this data integration. It states, “You may choose to allow certain Google services, including services like Search or Gemini Apps, to access data from other Google services you use, such as Google Photos and Workspace apps like Gmail and Drive, in order to provide you with a more personalized experience.. For example, Search may process some of the data that you allow Search to access to personalize content, including ads.” The document further clarifies that personalized ads may be shown based on interests, activity, or personalized content derived from Google services.
Users who wish to prevent their personal data from being used for targeted advertising retain control over these settings. It is possible to disconnect specific applications from Search’s Personal Intelligence features. Additionally, users can disable Personalized Recommendations entirely through the Search Services Personalization settings page.
Source: The Verge
