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● LIVE Updated 2h ago · 11 sources tracked

Google makes a privacy policy exception to use your Gmail and Photos data for ads

Google revised its privacy policy to allow user data from Gmail and Google Photos to target personalized advertisements. The policy change impacts users who share personal information with AI search and other connected Google services. Opting out of these data sharing features limits Personal Intelligence capabilities on user accounts. The update modifies previous workspace privacy promises regarding ad targeting. Users must navigate new account settings to control how their personal content informs advertising algorithms.

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  • ✓ Google updated its privacy policy to allow personal information from Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive to potentially be used for targeted advertising.
  • ✓ Google revised its privacy policy on Oct. 16 to state that data shared between Gmail, Google Photos, or Drive and certain other Google services may be used for ads.
  • ✓ Turning on Personal Intelligence gives the company more data for ad targeting.
  • ✓ Opting out of data sharing limits Personal Intelligence features.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 11 independent reporting domains (95% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Google revised its privacy policy on October 16 to create an exception allowing Gmail and Photos data to influence targeted advertising.

Live updates

  1. Google Privacy Policy Shift Opens Gmail and Photos to Ads

    Google revised its privacy policy to allow user data from Gmail and Google Photos to target personalized advertisements. The policy change impacts users who share personal information with AI search and other connected Google services. Opting out of these data sharing features limits Personal Intelligence capabilities on user accounts. The update modifies previous workspace privacy promises regarding ad targeting. Users must navigate new account settings to control how their personal content informs advertising algorithms.

    Why it matters

    The platform updated its privacy guidelines to let connected data from applications like Gmail, Drive, and Photos reach personalized ad systems. Turning on features such as Personal Intelligence grants the company additional information for ad targeting. This shift alters long-standing privacy expectations for core workspace applications.

    What is confirmed

    • Google updated its privacy policy to allow personal information from Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive to potentially be used for targeted advertising.
    • Google revised its privacy policy on Oct. 16 to state that data shared between Gmail, Google Photos, or Drive and certain other Google services may be used for ads.
    • Turning on Personal Intelligence gives the company more data for ad targeting.
    • Opting out of data sharing limits Personal Intelligence features.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The privacy policy update includes a specific 18-word exception regarding connected Gmail, Drive, and Photos data.

    What to watch next

    • Further user interface changes or account setting additions for opting out
    • Official guidance from Google on the scope of the privacy policy exception
    Sources used for this update (11)
    1. Ars Technica — Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising
    2. The Verge — Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads
    3. Android Authority — Google makes a privacy policy exception to use your Gmail and Photos data for ads
    4. The Hacker News — Google Says Gmail and Photos Data Shared With AI Search Could Be Used for Targeted Ads
    5. Digital Trends — Google changes its Workspace privacy promise on ads, and opting out limits Personal Intelligence
    6. arstechnica.com — Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising - Ars Technica
    7. dev.to — Google privacy policy and Gmail ads: the 18-word exception
    8. www.dexerto.com — Google quietly changes privacy policy so your Gmail and ...
    9. android.gadgethacks.com — Google Gmail, Photos Targeted Ads Privacy Policy Update Explained
    10. www.techwyse.com — Google Privacy Policy Adds Gmail Data Exception for Ads
    11. www.howtogeek.com — Google gives itself permission to use data from Gmail and ...
    confidence 95%
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