Google quietly changed its privacy policy, and the new wording means your Gmail, Google Photos and Drive data can now be used for ads in some cases. For years, the policy said personalized ads were never based on content from those three apps. Now there is an exception. Here is exactly what changed, who is affected and how to turn it off.
What Changed in Google’s Privacy Policy?
The previous policy said Google did not show you personalized ads based on your content from Drive, Gmail or Photos. The new version, in effect since October 16, 2026, keeps that sentence but adds a condition: unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads.
In practice, that “other service” is mainly Google Search through Personal Intelligence. The updated policy says Search may process the data you allow it to access to personalize content, including ads. 9to5Google, Android Authority and The Verge reported the change on October 23.
What Is Personal Intelligence and How Does It Affect Gmail Ads?
Personal Intelligence is a Google feature, in beta since early 2026, that lets Gemini and Search pull information from your connected apps. For example, if Gmail holds a hotel booking, Search could suggest restaurants near that hotel. It is useful, but it also means Search knows what is in your inbox and photos.
So, if you connected Gmail or Photos to Personal Intelligence, that connected data may now also influence the Gmail-based ads you see in Search. If you never connected those apps, nothing changes for you today.
How to Turn Off Gmail Ads Personalization
These steps follow the settings described by 9to5Google and Android Authority. Menu names may differ slightly by country and language.
- Open your Google Account and go to Data & privacy.
- Under Personalization & activity, choose Personalization settings.
- Select Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search services.
- Look for Connected Content apps under Additional Personal Intelligence.
- Disconnect Google Workspace and Google Photos if you do not want Search using that content.
- For the strictest option, turn off Personalized Recommendations completely on the same page.
Finally, open My Ad Center (adssettings.google.com) and switch off Personalized ads if you prefer generic ads everywhere. Note that disconnecting an app may not erase data already saved in your Search history, so delete that history as well.
Should You Worry About Gmail Ads?
There is no need to panic, but it is worth five minutes. Google has not handed your emails to advertisers, and it says advertisers cannot see personal details like your name or email address without permission. However, the policy now allows your private content to shape the ads Google itself shows you, as long as you connected it. The real issue is that few people read privacy policies, so most users will never notice this switch.
If privacy matters to you, also review which third-party apps can access your Google account, and use a unique password for it. Our free password generator can create one in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google read my Gmail to show me ads?
Not by default. Google’s policy still says it does not use Gmail, Drive or Photos content for personalized ads. The new exception applies only when you choose to connect those apps to other Google services, for example through Personal Intelligence.
What is Google Personal Intelligence?
It is an opt-in feature, in beta since early 2026, that lets Gemini and Google Search use information from your connected apps, such as Gmail, Photos and Drive, to give more personal answers.
When did the Google privacy policy change?
The updated privacy policy took effect on October 16, 2026, and news sites reported the change on October 23.
Does disconnecting delete my data?
Not necessarily. According to Android Authority, data already saved in your Search Services history may remain after you disconnect an app, so review and delete that history too.
Can advertisers see my emails?
Google says advertisers do not get personally identifying details such as your name or email address without your permission. The change concerns how Google itself targets ads.
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Sources
- 9to5Google: Google will target ads based on Gmail, Photos data
- Android Authority: Google makes a privacy policy exception
- Google Privacy Policy
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