Google May Use Your Google Photos Data to Target Ads

Google says it may use data from Google Photos to target ads to users who have certain personalized AI features enabled.

According to a report by Android Authority, Google has updated its privacy policy to clarify that personal data from Google Photos and other services may be used to target ads when users enable certain personalized AI features.

The change introduces an exception to Google’s existing policy on personalized advertising. Previously, the company said it would not use content from Google Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to personalize ads. However, an update that took effect on October 16 adds an exception for users who choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized advertising.

“We don’t show you personalized ads based on your content from Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos, unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads,” Google writes in the updated privacy policy shared by Android Authority.

Google’s policy does not mean that the company automatically uses everyone’s private emails and photos to serve ads. The default restriction remains in place, but users who explicitly connect their personal data to certain Google services may be affected by the change.

Specifically, people who connect Google Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to AI Mode and other Search tools through Google’s Personal Intelligence feature may see ads informed by that content. Personal Intelligence allows Google’s AI tools to provide more relevant responses and recommendations by drawing on information about individual users.

Users who want to prevent their personal data from being used for targeted ads can adjust their Google Account settings. According to Android Authority, they can do this by navigating to “Data & privacy”, selecting “Personalization settings” under “Personalization & activity,” and choosing “Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search Services.” Under “Additional Personal Intelligence,” they can then find “Connected Content apps.” They can then disconnect Google Workspace and Google Photos to prevent Google Search from accessing content from those services.

Google says advertisers do not receive access to users’ Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos content, or to personally identifying information such as their names and email addresses.

 

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