Google has updated its privacy policy to clarify how data shared with its artificial intelligence (AI) features, including Gemini and AI-powered Search, could be used to personalize advertisements across its services.
The revised policy, which took effect on October 16, 2026, explains that users can allow certain Google services to access information from other connected services, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, to provide more personalized experiences. Depending on the service and its settings, this information could also be used to tailor advertising.
Google states that it does not use content from Gmail, Drive, or Photos to personalize ads by default. However, users can choose to make data from these services available to other Google products that support personalized advertising, potentially changing how that information is used.
The update follows the introduction of Personal Intelligence, a feature Google unveiled in January 2026 for its Gemini app. It allows users to connect services such as Gmail, Google Photos, and YouTube so the AI can provide more tailored responses using information from those sources and users’ preferences.
The feature is rolling out as a beta to eligible users aged 18 and older in supported markets, with availability excluding the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria.
When users enable Personal Intelligence and allow connected services to share information with Gemini or AI-powered Search features, that information may contribute to personalized advertising where the relevant service and settings permit it. Google’s policy update aims to clarify this potential connection between sharing personal information with AI tools and the company’s advertising systems.
Users who want to limit this data sharing should review which services they have connected to Personal Intelligence and adjust their preferences. Google also provides controls through its Search Services Personalization settings, where users can manage personalized recommendations and related options.
The update highlights a growing privacy consideration as AI assistants become more closely integrated with email, photos, documents, and other personal services. While connecting these sources can make AI responses more relevant, users should understand what information they are sharing and how the connected services may use it.
Meanwhile, OpenAI has also expanded its advertising program for ChatGPT. In January 2026, the company began showing ads to logged-in adult users in the United States on its Free and ChatGPT Go plans.
Earlier this week, OpenAI announced that ChatGPT advertising had expanded into 26 additional countries, bringing the total number of supported countries to 89. The expansion includes additional markets across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
OpenAI has emphasized that conversations remain private from advertisers, customer data is not sold to advertisers, and advertisements are clearly labeled and displayed separately from chatbot responses. The company has also stated that advertising does not influence the answers ChatGPT provides.
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As AI companies increasingly connect assistants with personal information and advertising systems, users will need to pay closer attention to privacy settings and the permissions they grant when enabling personalized AI features.
