Google has added an exception to a long-standing privacy promise. Its privacy policy, in the version dated October 16, still says it does not show personalized ads based on content from Drive, Gmail or Google Photos — but now adds 'unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads.' Google is also testing ads in AI Mode for people who connect those apps through Personal Intelligence.

The link is opt-in: it applies once a user connects Gmail, Workspace or Photos to Search services under Search Services Personalization, turning on Personalized Recommendations and Connected Content Apps. Google says ads will not be based directly on a person's inbox or photo library, and advertisers cannot see the connected apps; instead Search may use summaries, excerpts and inferences drawn from them. Race, religion, sexual orientation and health are excluded from ad personalization.

It is still a reversal worth noting: in March, Google told reporters there were no ads for people who connect their apps with AI Mode and that this was not changing 'right now.' The change arrives as Personal Intelligence expands across Gemini and Search, putting years of email and photo context behind both answers and, now, ad selection for opted-in users.