Arstechnica Google's Privacy Policy Update Allows Gmail Data for Targeted Ads
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- •Google's new policy allows Gmail and Photos data for ad targeting under Personal Intelligence.
- •Users must opt-in to allow data sharing for personalized ads; they can opt-out anytime.
- •Google claims ads will not be directly based on personal data, focusing instead on user interests.
Google's updated privacy policy, effective October 2026, allows the use of data from Gmail and Google Photos to personalize ads when users opt into the Personal Intelligence feature. This feature, introduced earlier in 2026, enables AI tools to access user data across various Google services for improved recommendations. While Google asserts that ads will not be directly based on personal data, the policy opens the door for advertisers to target users based on their interests and activity. Users can opt-out of this data sharing by adjusting their settings. The policy aims to enhance user experience but raises privacy concerns regarding data usage for advertising purposes.
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