Google Is Using Data From Gmail and Drive to Target Ads, but You Can Stop It

Google updated its privacy policy to allow data from Gmail, Drive, and Photos to be used for targeted advertising if you've connected these apps to Personal Intelligence, Google's opt-in Gemini feature launched earlier this year.

By default, Google does not personalize ads based on content from these apps. The new exception activates when you link them to Personal Intelligence or other Google services that support personalized ads. This means content you don't explicitly share in search or AI interactions could inform which ads you see.

Google's policy states it does not share personally identifiable information with advertisers and does not scan your inbox, photos, and files to base ads "directly" on them. The company has not clarified how it will handle the apparent mismatch between these statements and the new advertising exception.

Personal Intelligence is opt-in by default, but users may enable it without fully understanding the consequences. According to Ars Technica, users face opportunities to connect apps without realizing what they are doing.

You can disconnect apps from Personal Intelligence. In your Google Account, tap Data & Privacy. Under Personalization & activity, select Personalization settings, then click Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search Services. Select Connected Content Apps under Additional Personal Intelligence and disconnect any apps you prefer not to grant access.