Google updated its privacy policy to state it may use data from Gmail and Google Photos for ad targeting.

What it means

Google updated its privacy policy to allow the use of data from Gmail and Google Photos for ad targeting, but only when users opt into AI-powered features like 'Personal Intelligence'. This does not mean all Gmail or Photos data will be used for ads by default; the change is conditional on users enabling personalized AI search features.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is based directly on Google's updated privacy policy, which multiple reputable outlets (The Verge, Ars Technica) have reported on verbatim. The policy change is clearly stated and widely confirmed by cross-referencing the primary source.

How new

This was published on October 23, 2026, making it genuinely new news.

Go deeper

• Hacker News (best) — first to publish