Google updates privacy policy to let Gmail, Photos, Drive data influence AI Mode ads

Alongside the policy shift, Google began testing AI Mode ads for users with Personal Intelligence turned on. According to Google’s Search Help page, the system may reference summaries, excerpts and inferences from connected apps—not the raw content—to tailor ads, while advertisers still cannot see the underlying Gmail or Photos data. Sensitive categories such as race, religion, sexual orientation and health remain excluded, and users can opt out via My Ad Center or by disconnecting the apps.

For advertisers, the test does not introduce new targeting controls or reporting. Eligible campaign types include Performance Max, Shopping and broad‑match Search campaigns, but there is no dedicated view of how connected‑app signals affect impressions or performance.