Technology·24 October 2026·1 min readTechnical readSource-backed

Google Privacy Policy Update Allows Personal App Data and Gmail Content to Inform Targeted Advertising

Google has updated its privacy policy to alter longstanding protections that barred the company from using content from apps like Gmail, Drive, and Photos for ad personalization.

By WireUnwired Editorial Team

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Google has updated its privacy policy to alter longstanding protections that barred the company from using content from apps like Gmail, Drive, and Photos for ad personalization. Spotted by Android Authority on October 16, 2026, the revised policy opens avenues for personal data to inform ads when shared across Google services.

The shift ties into Google's "Personal Intelligence" feature, introduced in early 2026, which allows users to connect personal app data to AI tools like the Gemini app, AI Overviews, and AI Mode search to improve answers. Because AI search tools display sponsored content, data shared via Personal Intelligence can contribute to targeted advertising.

A Google spokesperson stated that the change does not indicate a shift in third-party data sharing or mean ads are based directly on a user's inbox or photo library. However, the update clarifies that if users pipe personal information into AI search tools, the ads shown could be informed by that content.

Personal Intelligence is opt-in, though users may enable it through prompts without realizing the privacy consequences.

To stop personal data from being used in this manner, users can turn off the setting by accessing Google account settings, navigating to Data and privacy, and disabling

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SOURCE & ATTRIBUTION

Ars Technica

Original author: Ryan Whitwam

Original publication: 24 October 2026 01:49

Read full story on Ars Technica ↗

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STORY TITLE:
Google Privacy Policy Update Allows Personal App Data and Gmail Content to Inform Targeted Advertising
SOURCE:
Ars Technica
ORIGINAL URL:
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/10/updated-google-privacy-policy-says-your-gmail-might-be-used-for-advertising/

SOURCE EXCERPT:
Turning on Personal Intelligence gives the company more data for ad targeting.

Last updated 24 October 2026 05:05

Original sourceArs Technica ↗