--- title: "Google Updates Privacy Policy with Potential for Increased Ad Targeting" url: https://noti.group/google-updates-privacy-policy-with-potential-for-increased-ad/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-23T20:19:55.000Z updated: 2026-10-23T22:58:57.662Z id: 3d838bfe-fd8e-4199-942d-81c6857e44ca source: "Ars Technica https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/10/updated-google-privacy-policy-says-your-gmail-might-be-used-for-advertising/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/google-updates-privacy-policy-with-potential-for-increased-ad/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Google Updates Privacy Policy with Potential for Increased Ad Targeting The updated policy removes restrictions on using data from certain apps for ad personalization, potentially allowing Google to use previously off-limits information in targeted ads. Google has updated its privacy policy, sparking concerns about how user data might be used for advertising purposes. The move appears to blur the lines between sensitive and non-sensitive personal data, potentially allowing the company to use previously off-limits information in targeted ads. The change was announced on October 16th, when Google updated its privacy policy. A key point of contention is the removal of a clear limitation on using data from certain apps for ad personalization. The original policy stated that ads would not be personalized based on content from Drive, Gmail, or Photos. However, this restriction has been replaced with new language that paves the way for the use of data from these services in targeted advertising. Specifically, it now allows Google to use data from apps like Gmail and Photos when it's shared with other Google services. This is significant because Google already offers a feature called Personal Intelligence, which enables users to share data across multiple apps. Personal Intelligence was introduced by Google in early 2026 as a way to enhance AI-powered answers by combining context from various sources. While the intention behind this feature may be laudable, it has also raised concerns about user privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive information. The update to Google's privacy policy suggests that users should carefully consider how their data is being used across different services, especially now that these boundaries appear to have been relaxed. Google's updated privacy policy has shed light on how user data may be used across different services. One key change affects Personal Intelligence, a feature that connects data from various apps to the Gemini AI search tool. This connection not only enables features like AI Mode search but also potentially links user data to ad targeting. The update suggests that while users have opted-in to connecting their apps via Personal Intelligence, this does not necessarily mean ads are targeted directly at them based on their personal data. Instead, Google's statement implies that ad relevance is determined by a combination of factors including the context of the search query and the user's interests. Google's clarification raises questions about how Workspace and Photos data may be used to inform ads. When Personal Intelligence is enabled and users interact with AI Mode, there's a chance that summaries and insights from their data will influence the answers they receive. This data can then contribute to ad targeting in AI search, making it an element of the process. The revised privacy policy essentially acknowledges this connection between user data and ad targeting. While Google maintains that sensitive information will not be used for tailored ads, the update implies a more nuanced approach to data use across services. Google's clarification on its updated privacy policy has sparked concerns about data handling and advertising practices. According to a company spokesperson, the changes do not indicate a shift in how Google handles user data for its advertising partners. This means that your entire inbox will still not be scanned to enhance your advertising profile. However, there is a subtle nuance at play. If you feed personal data into an AI search tool, the ads it shows you could be based on that information. This raises questions about the potential for targeted advertising and how far Google's reach extends across its ecosystem. The core issue lies in Google's ambition to have its products and services communicate with each other seamlessly. The company sees this integration as a key strength of its AI efforts, allowing it to harness vast amounts of user data. While certain apps like Gmail are still given protected status, there are now more avenues for that data to be shared. A similar scenario plays out in the way Google uses your AI interactions for model training. Although the company claims not to use personal data for this purpose, it does utilize inputs and outputs from these interactions. With Gemini integrated across various services and connected via Personal Intelligence, those outputs may contain elements of your personal information. Google attempts to filter sensitive content from user activity controls to prevent it from entering training sets. However, it acknowledges that success is not guaranteed in all cases, leaving users with uncertainty about the extent of their data exposure. Google's updated privacy policy has raised concerns that users' Gmail data may be used for targeted advertising. However, the company emphasizes that Personal Intelligence is an opt-in feature, but its onboarding process can be misleading, making it easy to unwittingly enable. To ensure ads don't rely on personal data, users must disable Personal Intelligence by accessing the Gemini settings and disconnecting connected apps. This involves navigating a few levels deep into Google account settings under Data & privacy > Personalization settings > Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search Services > Connected Content Apps, where Workspace and Google Photos connections can be disabled. By taking these steps, users can minimize their data exposure and prevent ads from using their personal information. --- Source: [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/10/updated-google-privacy-policy-says-your-gmail-might-be-used-for-advertising/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/google-updates-privacy-policy-with-potential-for-increased-ad/