Google has revised its terms of service to permit the use of content stored in Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos for the purpose of delivering more personalized advertisements. The change applies when users enable the company’s AI Mode and other search tools that rely on the Personal Intelligence feature, which draws on personal data to improve response quality.
The policy affects any account that has linked its email, cloud storage, or photo library to Google’s AI-driven search functions. By granting the Personal Intelligence feature access, users allow the system to analyze the material in those services, and the resulting insights may be employed to tailor ad experiences, according to the updated terms.
Google emphasizes that advertisers will not receive direct access to the underlying Gmail, Drive, or Photos content, nor will they be provided with personally identifying information such as names or email addresses. The company also states that ads will not be targeted on the basis of protected attributes, including race, sexual orientation, religion, or health status.
Users who wish to opt out of this data usage can manage their settings through the Search Services Personalization page. Options include disconnecting individual apps from the Personal Intelligence feature or disabling Personalized Recommendations altogether, thereby preventing the AI tools from drawing on their personal files for ad customization.
The announcement was reported by The Verge, noting that the shift reflects a broader industry move to monetize the data that powers generative AI services. While Google frames the change as a way to enhance ad relevance without compromising user privacy, analysts have raised questions about the effectiveness of the stated safeguards.