The reported change to Google’s privacy policy allows information from Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive to be made available to Google services that support personalized ads when users choose to connect it. Cybernews and Inc.com reported that the change took effect October 16, 2026.
What the reported policy change covers
Reports say the information is not used for personalized ads by default. The described exception applies when users choose to make it available to eligible Google services, including Gemini and Search. Reporting also links this access to Personal Intelligence experiences.
That makes user choice central to the reported policy. It describes a potential input for personalized advertising, rather than information being used by default.
Ad targeting and Gemini ad placement are separate questions
Ad targeting concerns information that may help tailor an ad; ad placement concerns where an ad appears. The October policy change concerns the potential data input. It is not an announcement of ads inside Gemini.
Business Insider reported on April 29, 2026, that Google’s focus at the time was ads in AI Mode and that the company was open to bringing a successful format to Gemini later. That account concerned possible ad placement; the October policy coverage concerned connected information for ad personalization.
BGR distinguished a document accessed through Gemini from a Gemini chat. It reported that information in an accessed document could be used for personalization, while the chat itself was not shared for that purpose. Cybernews and Inc.com also reported that Google does not give advertisers direct identifying details, such as names or email addresses, for this purpose.
Where users can manage connected apps
BGR described controls under Google Account > Data & Privacy > Personalization settings. Users can turn off Personalized Recommendations under Search Services or disconnect apps under Connected content apps in Personal Intelligence.
Android Authority reported that information saved in Search Services History may remain after an app is disconnected or its original file is deleted.
