Google Privacy Shift: AI Mode Users Exposed to File-Based Ad Targeting

One in four Google users may now see advertisements shaped by the specific contents of their personal email, photos, and drive files. The exposure stems from a privacy policy revision that removes a long-standing protection for users who connect these services to Google's AI Mode and Search tools.

The change took effect on October 16. Prior to this date, Google's terms stated plainly that the company would not use data from Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for personalized advertising. The updated text now includes a qualifier. It holds that this commitment applies unless a user chooses to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads.

The practical impact falls on individuals who use Google's Personal Intelligence feature. This tool allows Search and AI Mode to draw on a user's own content to provide tailored answers. Under the new terms, that same data sharing permits Google to target ads using the file contents. The policy text notes that Search may process permitted data to personalize content, including advertisements.

Google has outlined specific limits to the new practice. Advertisers do not receive direct access to the information stored in a user's Drive, Gmail, or Photos accounts. They also do not receive personally identifying details such as a name or email address. The company states it will not show ads based on sensitive categories, including race, sexual orientation, religion, or health status.

The policy illustrates how this mechanism functions. It explains that depending on user settings, personalized ads may be shown based on interests, activity, or personalized content from Google services. For example, a user who searches for mountain bikes in Search might later see ads for sports equipment on YouTube.

Users who wish to exclude their personal data from this ad targeting have two primary options. They can select which apps to disconnect from Search's Personal Intelligence features. Alternatively, they can switch off Personalized Recommendations entirely through the Search Services Personalization settings page. These controls allow users to maintain the previous privacy boundary for their personal files.

The revision was first noticed by Android Authority. Google has not issued a separate press release detailing the change beyond the updated policy language. The shift affects any user who has enabled the connection between their personal accounts and Google's AI-powered search tools.