Google privacy policy update could allow targeted ads using Gmail and Photos data

Analysis

Why This Matters

This update could erode user trust in Google's privacy commitments, especially among those who rely on its free services.
Users who opt into AI features may inadvertently expose personal data to ad targeting, raising concerns about consent and transparency.
The change signals a shift in Google's approach as it competes in the AI space, potentially monetizing user interactions with new tools.

Background

Google has historically stated that it does not scan Gmail or Drive content for ad targeting, a promise that has been central to its privacy messaging. The policy update introduces a carve-out for users who choose to connect these services to AI features, which Google is rolling out aggressively to compete with offerings from OpenAI and others.

Key Perspectives

Privacy Advocates: The policy change undermines a long-standing user protection and may trap users who do not realize that using AI features revokes that protection. Google: The company frames this as a choice: users control whether their data is shared with services that support personalized ads. Industry Observers: This may be part of a broader trend as tech companies seek to monetize AI investments while balancing user privacy.

What to Watch

How prominently Google informs users about this data sharing when they opt into AI features.
Any regulatory or legal challenges from EU or US privacy authorities.
Competitor responses from Apple, Microsoft, and others regarding their own AI data policies.

Checked

10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 6 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedGoogle’s privacy-policy update could allow targeted ads based on Gmail and Google Photos data.The Verge: “Google has updated its privacy policy in a way that could mean you'll start seeing targeted ads based on your personal data if you're using personalized AI features. The update, spotted by Android Authority , adds an exception to its promise about not using your Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for personalized ads.”
SupportedThe change adds an exception for users who connect personal data to AI features.The Verge: “The update, spotted by Android Authority , adds an exception to its promise about not using your Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for personalized ads.”
SupportedGoogle’s policy change could allow personalized ads using data from Gmail, Drive and Google Photos if users choose to make that data available to other services through AI features.The Verge: “unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads. That means anyone who has connected their Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to AI Mode and other Search tools”
SupportedThe policy change took effect on October 16.The Verge: “as of October 16th, Google has added the line,”
Partly supportedAndroid Authority reported the policy change.The Verge: “The update, spotted by Android Authority”
Partly supportedThe change alters Google’s long-standing commitment not to use Drive, Gmail or Google Photos data for personalized ads.The Verge: “adds an exception to its promise about not using your Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for personalized ads.”
SupportedThe previous policy version simply said Google would not use that data for personalized ads.The Verge: “While the previous version simply said it wouldn't do that”
SupportedThe updated policy says, “unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads.”The Verge: “"unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads."”
Partly supportedUsers who connect Drive, Gmail or Google Photos to AI Mode or other Search tools may see targeted ads based on that personal data.The Verge: “could mean you'll start seeing targeted ads based on your personal data if you're using personalized AI features. ... That means anyone who has connected their Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to AI Mode and other Search tools”
Partly supportedThe Verge says the change affects anyone using personalized AI features that share data across services.The Verge: “could mean you'll start seeing targeted ads based on your personal data if you're using personalized AI features. ... That means anyone who has connected their Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to AI Mode and other Search tools”