Ars Technica, via Android Authority, spotted an October 16 change to Google’s privacy policy.
What changed
- The ad section used to say: “We don’t show you personalized ads based on your content from Drive, Gmail, or Photos.” That clear line is gone.
- The new wording allows that data to shape ads when it’s shared with other Google services, which is exactly what Personal Intelligence does. It connects your apps to Gemini and AI Mode search, and AI search can show sponsored content.
- Google says connecting apps is opt-in, and ads “will not be based directly on your Gmail inbox or Photos library,” and sensitive info won’t be used.
My take
“Not based directly” is doing a lot of work. If you don’t want your mail feeding ads, leave Personal Intelligence off and check your Google ad settings. Better yet, this is one more reason to own your own mail and data where you can.
Have a blessed day! And Happy Hacking!
