Google's privacy policy now has a loophole for using your Gmail and Photos data in ads

Google's updated privacy policy now includes a loophole that allows it to use Gmail and Photos data in ads, despite previously claiming not to do so. This change applies to anyone who opts into Google's AI features, which can access content from these apps to personalize ads. The policy update, effective October 16, still prohibits ads from accessing Gmail and Photos directly, but explains that AI Mode may use summaries or inferences from connected services to target ads.

This feature, Personal Intelligence, launched for subscribers in January and is now available to all US users. While advertisers cannot directly access Gmail or Photos, they may still use the AI-generated information for ad targeting. Advertisers can still target ads based on search history, YouTube activity, and other data. Users can disconnect Gmail and Photos from Connected Content Apps or turn off ad personalization in My Ad Center to prevent their inbox data from being used in ads.