Google may scan photos for personalized ads
The gist
Google's privacy policy, effective October 16, 2026, now lets Gmail, Drive and Photos data shape personalized ads.
The change ties ads to its opt-in Personal Intelligence AI feature.
How it unfolded
- Jan 2026Personal Intelligence, Google's opt-in feature letting Gemini and AI Mode in Search pull context from linked apps, first arrived for paying subscribers.
- Mar 2026Personal Intelligence expanded to all U.S. users.
- Oct 16, 2026Google's updated privacy policy took effect, adding an exception to its promise not to use Drive, Gmail or Google Photos content for personalized ads.