Google introduced notable amendments to its privacy policy in mid-October 2026, a move that signals a retreat from previous strict restrictions that prevented the use of content from applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos for ad personalization.
Details of the Privacy Policy Change
The previous wording of the privacy policy explicitly stated that personalized ads would not be displayed based on content derived from Drive, Gmail, or Photos. However, the latest update removed this exclusive barrier, allowing data transferred from these applications to other Google services to be used to improve ad targeting, especially with the activation of the "Personal Intelligence" feature, which the company launched in early 2026 to link application data to AI products such as the Gemini app and AI-powered search tools.
The Role of the Personal Intelligence Feature
The "Personal Intelligence" feature allows users to link their various application data to provide additional context that improves the responses of AI tools. Although the Gemini app does not currently display ads, AI-powered search tools may contain advertised and sponsored content. This connection means that summaries and insights extracted from personal user data may indirectly influence the type of targeted ads the user sees during smart searches.
Google's Stance and Official Clarifications
In response, Google emphasized that these clarifications do not mean that ads are built directly from the Gmail inbox or the photo library. A company spokesperson explained that activating the linking feature is based on the user's desire and choice (Opt-in), stressing that ads will remain linked to queries, current context, and general interests, while continuing to prohibit the use of sensitive information in ad personalization. The company also stated that it does not perform a full scan of the mailbox to create advertising profiles and does not share this data with third parties.
How to Disable Data Linking and Filtered Ads
Although the app linking feature is optional, user interfaces sometimes rely on notifications and pop-up windows that may prompt users to activate them without fully realizing the consequences. To ensure that personal data is not used in this advertising context, users can disable the "Personal Intelligence" feature via Google Account settings:
- Go to Google Account Settings.
- Navigate to the Data & privacy section.
- Select Personalization settings.
- Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search Services.
- Access Connected Content Apps and disable the linking of Workspace and Google Photos.