Google changes Gmail privacy rules, putting personal data in ads

Google has changed its privacy policy, raising fresh questions about Gmail privacy and personal data. Since October 16, connected emails, photos and files may help shape ads. But the change does not affect every user in the same way.

What changes did Google make?

As reported by The Times of India, Google updated its privacy policy on October 16. The old wording said ads were not personalised using content from Gmail, Google Drive or Google Photos. The new wording adds an exception. If users choose to let these services share data with other Google services that show ads, some of that data may shape the ads they see.

This change is linked to Google’s Personal Intelligence tools. These tools connect information from different apps to give more tailored answers. For example, Search may use details from a hotel booking email to suggest places to visit nearby. Under the revised policy, shared data may also help personalise ads for businesses. The change does not mean every Gmail account is affected in the same way. It depends on whether users choose to connect their apps to services that can use this data.

What does Google say?

The updated policy allows data from Gmail, Drive and Photos to influence ads when users share it with other Google services. Google says this is an opt-in feature. Users must choose to connect their apps for this kind of personalisation. Google says advertisers do not get direct access to a person’s inbox or photo library.

It also says sensitive categories, such as health, religion, race or sexual orientation, will not be used to personalise ads. Still, the change has raised concerns about how personal information can move between services and used for profit making. An email may contain travel plans, shopping details or other private facts. Users may not expect these details to affect the types of ads they see.

How can users check their settings?

Google has introduced separate controls for the Search history and saved media files. Users can now review their Google Account settings to see what data is stored and how it is used. To limit the use of Gmail or Photos data in personalised Search, open your Google Account and go to Data & privacy. Find the Search Services personalisation settings. Then check Manage Personalized Recommendations and Connected Content Apps. Disconnect Gmail, Drive or Photos if you do not want them linked to these features.

Turning off personalised ads alone may not stop connected apps from sharing data with AI features. Check both ad settings and connected-app settings. You can also review Search Services History and choose how long activity and saved media should be kept. The change does not mean every user’s private messages are handed to the advertising companies. But anyone who connects their accounts should understand what that choice allows. Checking your settings is a simple step toward making an informed decision.

Author’s Opinion

Google’s tools may offer more useful results when they know more about users. But people should have clear control over their data. A simple privacy setting should not leave users guessing about how their emails and photos may shape the ads they see.

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