Google Clarifies That Connecting Gmail and Photos to AI Features Could Influence the Ads You See

Google has updated its privacy policy to state that using personalised AI features in Search or Gemini could allow the company to serve targeted ads based on activity in other connected Google services. The policy takes effect on October 16, 2026, and was first reported by Android Authority. It says users may allow services such as Search or Gemini Apps to access data from Google Photos, Gmail and Drive. As an example, it says Search may process some of that data to personalise content, including ads.

By default, Google says it does not show personalised ads based on content from Drive, Gmail or Photos. That changes if a user chooses to make data from those services available to other Google services that support personalised ads. The issue is tied to Personal Intelligence, a Gemini feature unveiled in January 2026 that lets users connect services such as Gmail, Google Photos and YouTube to get tailored answers. It is rolling out as a beta to eligible users over 18 globally, except in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the U.K. and Nigeria.

In practice, if someone uses AI Mode or Gemini with Personal Intelligence switched on, the data behind those answers could become a signal for targeted ads. Users can opt out by disconnecting specific apps from Personal Intelligence or by turning off Personalized Recommendations in the Search Services Personalization settings.