Google AI Privacy Policy: Connected Services May Lead to Targeted Ads

Google has updated its privacy policy to clarify that using personalized AI features in Search or Gemini could allow the company to serve targeted ads based on activity from other connected Google services. The policy, effective October 16, 2026, states that if users allow Search to access data from Gmail, Drive, or Photos, that information may be used to personalize content, including ads.

Google emphasizes that it does not show personalized ads based on content from Drive, Gmail, or Photos unless users actively choose to make that data available to services that support personalized ads. The Personal Intelligence feature, unveiled in January 2026, lets users connect Gmail, Photos, and YouTube for tailored answers. It is currently rolling out as a beta to eligible users over 18 globally, except in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the U.K., and Nigeria.

The policy update was first reported by Android Authority. Users should be aware that feeding personal data into AI tools could contribute to ad personalization. To opt out, they can disconnect apps from Personal Intelligence or disable Personalized Recommendations via Search Services Personalization settings.

Meanwhile, OpenAI began showing ads to logged-in adult U.S. users in January 2026, emphasizing that conversations are protected and never sold to advertisers. Earlier this week, the AI company expanded advertising on ChatGPT to 26 more countries, bringing the total to 89. OpenAI stressed that ads are clearly labeled and do not influence ChatGPT’s answers.

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