Google Search Links Your Data to Ads

Google has updated its privacy policy, introducing an opt-in exception that allows Search to utilize data from Gmail and Google Photos for ad personalization. Previously excluded, content from these services can now be used if users opt-in, influencing AI-generated answers and advertisements.

This feature, part of Google's Personal Intelligence, enables AI Mode in Search to draw on emails and photos for context, like recommending restaurants based on travel plans. While advertisers do not gain direct access to user inboxes, Google states sensitive categories are excluded from ad personalization.

The company clarified this as a policy wording adjustment, not a change in data handling with advertising partners. Separately, Gemini chatbot chats are explicitly stated as not being used for ad purposes, operating under different privacy settings.

Users can manage ad personalization through My Ad Center and disconnect app connections within Search Services Personalization. History retained in Google My Activity can still be used for product improvement even after disconnections.