The Verge reported on 23 October that Google changed its privacy policy. Android Authority first spotted the change. Google used to promise not to use Drive, Gmail or Google Photos data for personalized ads. Since 16 October, the policy makes an exception when users let other ad-supporting Google services use that data. The Verge says this covers people who linked those apps to AI Mode and other Search tools. They did so through a feature called Personal Intelligence, which uses their data for better answers. Those people may now see ads targeted using that content.
The Verge says advertisers do not get access to Drive, Gmail or Photos content. They also do not get details such as a name or email address. Google will not target ads using sensitive topics such as race, sexual orientation, religion or health. It is not yet clear how many people have turned on Personal Intelligence. The article also does not say how much content ads will draw on, or when people may first see them. Users can disconnect apps from Personal Intelligence. They can also turn off Personalized Recommendations in the Search Services Personalization settings.
Anyone who builds, runs or buys software on Google's apps may want to check which accounts have Personal Intelligence connected. The exception depends on a choice each user makes, so settings decide whether mail, files and photos can feed ad targeting.