Google Privacy Policy Shift Links Personal AI Tools to Targeted Advertisements

Privacy Policy Update

Google has changed its privacy rules to state that users who turn on personalized artificial intelligence tools will now see targeted ads based on their personal information. The tech giant previously promised that information inside Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos would never be used for targeted advertising.

The New Exception

A new line added to the terms on October 16 creates an exception to that old rule. Users who connect their cloud storage or email to artificial intelligence search tools through the company's Personal Intelligence feature will now view ads chosen based on that private content. Android Authority first discovered this privacy policy change.

Ad Limits and Safety

Advertisers still cannot directly view private files from Gmail, Drive, or Photos, nor can they see personal details like real names and email addresses. Google also continues to block ads based on sensitive subjects such as health, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Users who wish to opt out can disconnect specific apps or turn off personalized recommendations entirely through the search settings page.

Context

Major technology companies are constantly updating their terms of service as artificial intelligence tools gain popularity and demand vast amounts of user data. Similar policy shifts by other firms have recently drawn public pushback and scrutiny from legal experts regarding data privacy and copyright rules.