Overview
- Google updated its Privacy & Terms on October 16, 2026 to add an exception that lets content from Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Meet and Google Photos be used for personalized ads when users choose to connect those apps to services such as Search and Gemini.
- The company says Search and Gemini may use summaries, excerpts and insights generated from those connected apps to tailor user experiences and show ads across services like Discover, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate and News.
- Users must manage multiple, distinct controls because Search and Gemini have separate connected‑app settings, and simply disconnecting an app does not automatically stop ad personalization as past signals held in Search history or My Activity may continue to influence ads unless My Ad Center settings are changed.
- Google says it will not share personally identifiable information with advertisers unless the user explicitly requests it and that it will not use sensitive categories such as race, religion, sexual orientation or health to target ads.
- Privacy advocates and journalists have flagged the reversal of Google’s earlier categorical promise and the change could draw closer regulatory review while users will need to check several settings if they wish to keep connected apps from affecting the ads they see.