Forbes and TechPP reported that Google’s change to its ad-personalization policy took effect on October 16, 2026. Under the reported exception, data from Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Photos may inform personalized ads when you choose to make that data available to other Google services that support ads personalization.
What the reported policy change covers
The reported change makes your choice to connect data across Google services central to this exception. It does not describe every Gmail account as automatically contributing its inbox to ad targeting.
The distinction is between the original contents of a service and information derived from connected apps. TechPP quoted Google Search Help as saying ads are not based directly on the Gmail inbox or Google Photos library, while summaries, excerpts, and inferences from connected apps may be used to personalize content, including ads.
What each account control changes
Disconnecting connected apps, turning off personalized ads, and deleting saved activity are separate actions. TechPP describes the following controls and effects:
| Control | Reported effect | Important limit |
| Connected Content Apps in Search settings | Disconnect Google Workspace and Google Photos from Search. | Disconnecting apps does not itself delete saved activity. |
| Personalized Recommendations in Search | Turn off personalized recommendations. | Connected-app data may still be used for AI answers. |
| Personalized ads in My Ad Center | Turn off personalized ads. | Ads may still appear based on general factors, such as the topic you’re viewing. |
Disconnecting apps does not itself remove Search Services History or Gemini Apps Activity. TechPP says those records must be reviewed and deleted separately if you want to remove them.
Search ads and Gemini chats are treated separately
TechPP reported a test of ads in Search AI Mode, and quoted Google’s Gemini Apps privacy statement as saying Gemini Apps chats are not being used to show ads. The reported Search test and the statement about Gemini chats concern different services and uses of data.
