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Google updates privacy policy to allow connected app data from Gmail and Photos for ad targeting

Google has revised its privacy terms to allow data from connected services like Gmail, Photos, and Drive to personalize advertisements when users enable its personalized AI features.

A person holding a smartphone showing the Gmail logo on its screen next to an open laptop.
Image: @analyticsinme

Google has quietly updated its privacy policy to clarify that user data from connected apps—including Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive—may be used to target and personalize ads. According to Ars Technica, the updated language indicates that content from users' Gmail accounts can now influence advertising.[1][2][5][7]

The change, which took effect Oct. 16, creates an exception to Google's long-standing pledge regarding email data, Decrypt reported. The policy clarifies that connected Gmail, Drive, and Photos content can feed ad targeting when users opt into Google's Personal Intelligence AI features.[5]

Reporting by Shimul Sood for Android Authority noted that the terms specify data shared via Personal Intelligence from connected apps can influence ads. As noted by Dexerto, this targeting applies to users who elect to share their personal information with Google's personalized AI features, which include Search.[2][3][6]

Analytics Insight reported that the revised conditions renew privacy questions around Gmail and personalized marketing, noting that users seeking to manage how their data is used can review their app permissions and privacy settings.[4]

Key facts

  • Google updated its privacy policy to permit data from connected apps such as Gmail, Photos, and Drive to personalize advertisements.
  • Decrypt reported that the policy revision took effect on Oct. 16 and creates an exception to Google's previous long-standing privacy pledge.
  • The ad personalization applies specifically when users opt into Google's Personal Intelligence AI features, which include Search.
  • Users can control and manage how their data influences ads by reviewing their account privacy settings and connected app permissions.

Sources · 7 sources

  1. DE

    Decrypt@DecryptMediaPost on X ·

    Google Quietly Updates Privacy Policy to Let Gmail and Photos Data Feed Ads https://t.co/KIT1TSSZQf

    Open source
  2. DE

    Dexerto@DexertoPost on X ·

    Google has updated its privacy policy to allow Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive data to be used for targeted ads The change applies to users who opt to share their data with Google's personalized AI features, including Search https://t.co/9KW6l3Ej5H

    Open source
  3. TE

    Techmeme@TechmemePost on X ·

    Google updates its privacy policy to clarify it could use data shared via Personal Intelligence from connected apps, including Gmail and Photos, to target ads (Shimul Sood / Android Authority) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)

    Open source
  4. AI

    Analytics Insight@analyticsinmePost on X ·

    𝐆𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐬 Google's updated privacy policy has renewed questions about Gmail and personalized advertising. The revised terms explain how data from Gmail, Drive and Photos may influence ads when users enable certain connected services. Reviewing app permissions and privacy settings can help users manage their data. #Google #Gmail #PrivacyPolicy #DataPrivacy #GoogleAds #GeminiAI #OnlinePrivacy #TechNews #analyticsinsight #analyticsinsightmagazine Read More 👇 https://t.co/U7idwvbYUn

    Open source
  5. DE

    DecryptArticle ·

    Google Quietly Updates Privacy Policy to Let Gmail and Photos Data Feed Ads A policy change effective Oct. 16 carves out an exception to Google’s long-standing pledge—letting connected Gmail, Drive, and Photos data personalize ads through its Personal Intelligence AI features.

    Open source
  6. TE

    TechmemeArticle ·

    Google updates its privacy policy to clarify it could use data shared via Personal Intelligence from connected apps, including Gmail and Photos, to target ads (Shimul Sood/Android Authority) Shimul Sood / Android Authority : Google updates its privacy policy to clarify it could use data shared via Personal Intelligence from connected apps, including Gmail and Photos, to target ads — Your inbox has secrets, and Google's ads might want in. — • … TL;DR — Google updated its privacy policy …

    Open source
  7. AT

    Ars Technica@arstechnicaPost on X ·

    Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising https://t.co/98zUi0daRa

    Open source