Google updates privacy policy to allow ads based on personal data

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 22:20 · Archive

Google has updated its privacy policy to allow targeted advertising based on Gmail, Drive and Photos data when users enable its Personal Intelligence feature.

Google has updated its privacy policy to permit targeted advertising based on data from Gmail, Drive and Google Photos when users enable Personal Intelligence, the company's feature that shares data across Google services to improve AI responses.

The change took effect on 16 October. Google's previous policy stated: 'We don't show you personalized ads based on your content from Drive, Gmail, or Photos.' The updated version now says Google may show personalized ads when users choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads. The change applies to users who connect their personal data to AI Mode, AI Overviews and Gemini via Personal Intelligence.

Google states that advertisers do not receive access to the underlying data, personally identifying details such as names or email addresses, or sensitive information including race, sexual orientation, religion or health. The company describes the change as a clarification rather than a new practice, though it represents a shift from the explicit previous assurance against using this data for ad targeting.

How it is being reported

• Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertisingTurning on Personal Intelligence gives the company more data for ad targeting.Ars Technica · 23 Oct, 21:19
• Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target adsGoogle 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. While the previous […]The Verge · 23 Oct, 17:52

In this story: Google · Gemini · Gmail

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