Google Personal Intelligence Privacy: What the Ads Policy Means

• Google Personal Intelligence privacy settings determine how connected app information may personalise recommendations and ads.
• Gmail, Drive and Photos content is not used for personalised ads by default.
• Users can disconnect Workspace and Photos or switch off personalised recommendations in Search settings.

Google Personal Intelligence privacy settings matter for people who connect Gmail, Google Photos or other Google apps to get more personal answers from Gemini and Google Search. Google has clarified that information users choose to share with certain services can also be used to personalise ads when those services offer personalised advertising.

This does not mean Google automatically uses everyone’s emails, files or photos to select ads. Content in Gmail, Drive and Photos is not used for personalised advertising by default. The exception applies when a user explicitly connects or shares information with an eligible Google service. Android and Gmail users in India can review these settings in their Google Account.

Google Personal Intelligence Privacy: What Has Changed?

Personal Intelligence allows Gemini and Google Search to use information from connected Google apps, such as Gmail and Google Photos, to make responses more relevant to a person’s needs. For example, Search may use a hotel reservation found in Gmail to answer a question about restaurants near the booked hotel.

Google’s updated privacy policy clarifies that information a person chooses to share with certain Google services may be used to personalise ads. This is a specific exception for eligible services, not a statement that all private content is automatically used for advertising.

Google Personalised Ads and Gmail Photos: What Is the Difference?

Using information to answer a question and using information to select ads are different purposes. If Search refers to a reservation email to suggest nearby restaurants, that is an example of personalising the answer. Whether shared information can also affect ads depends on the service and the user’s settings.

Google says Gmail, Drive and Photos content is not used for personalised ads by default. The exception applies only when users explicitly connect or share that information with a Google service that offers personalised advertising. Google also says it does not disclose personally identifying details, such as a person’s name or email address, to advertisers without permission.

Google Personal Intelligence Privacy Settings at a Glance

Feature	Description
Personal Intelligence	Uses connected Google app information to provide more relevant answers in Gemini and Search
Default ad setting	Gmail, Drive and Photos content is not used for personalised ads by default
When the exception applies	When users explicitly connect or share information with an eligible Google service offering personalised advertising
Advertiser information	Google says it does not share personally identifying details such as name or email address without permission
Ways to limit personalisation	Disconnect Workspace and Photos from Connected Content apps or turn off Personalised Recommendations
Saved history	Search Services History may retain data even after disconnecting an app or deleting the original email or photo

How to Limit Google Personal Intelligence Data Sharing

To review connected content, open your Google Account and follow these settings:

• Open Data & privacy.
• Go to Personalization & activity, then Personalization settings.
• Open Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search Services.
• Under Additional Personal Intelligence, open Connected Content apps.
• Disconnect Google Workspace and Google Photos if you do not want those apps connected for this feature.

You can also turn off Personalised Recommendations entirely from the Search Services Personalization page. The exact labels may vary as settings change, so check the options shown in your Google Account.

Does Disconnecting an App Delete Previously Saved Data?

Disconnecting Google Workspace or Google Photos does not necessarily erase information Google has already saved. Data in Search Services History may remain even after you disconnect an app or delete the original email or photo. Review the relevant history controls separately if you also want to manage saved activity.

Why This Matters for Android and Gmail Users in India

Many people use Android phones and Gmail for everyday communication, bookings and personal information. Checking Google Personal Intelligence privacy settings helps users understand which apps they have connected and how shared information may be used. No specific India rollout date is stated here; the practical step is to review the controls available in your own account.

Conclusion

Google Personal Intelligence can use connected app information to give more relevant answers, while the updated policy clarifies a limited exception for personalised advertising. Gmail, Drive and Photos content is not used for personalised ads by default. Users can review connected content, disconnect apps or switch off Personalised Recommendations, and should check Search Services History separately if they want to manage previously saved activity.

Frequently Asked Questions