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Google Ads policy update: Gmail and Photos data shape ads if you opt in
Google's October 2026 Ads policy update allows Gmail and Photos data to shape ads only if you opt in. Check your settings and disconnect apps if needed.
Quick answer
Google's October 2026 Ads policy update lets Gmail and Photos data personalise ads only if you opt in. Always check and manage your app connections to control data use.
Key takeaways
- Gmail, Drive, and Photos data shape ads only if you opt in
- You can check and disconnect connected apps in your Google Account
- My Ad Center does not manage these app connections
## What is the Google Ads policy update about?
Google's October 2026 Ads policy update introduces a change in how Gmail, Drive, and Photos data may be used for ad personalisation. This new rule applies only if you opt in by connecting these apps to Google’s Personal Intelligence feature in Search. Advertisers do not get direct access to your emails or photos, and sensitive topics like health and religion remain excluded from targeting. The update is not a data breach but a permission-based use of your data. For more details, read the Online Tech Tips article.
## How do I check if my Gmail or Photos data is shaping my ads?
Sign in with a computer browser at myaccount.google.com, go to Data & privacy > Personalization settings, and open Search Personalization. Look under "Connected Content apps" to see if Gmail, Drive, Photos, or Workspace are connected to Personal Intelligence. If you find any connected apps you don’t want linked, disconnect them here.
Remember, the My Ad Center setting is separate and does not control this app connection.
## What it means for you
Unless you've allowed Google to connect these apps for AI-powered Search features like Gemini, your Gmail or Photos data isn’t used to personalise ads. This week, check your Google account to confirm what’s connected and unlink any apps you prefer to keep separate. If you run ads, it's also worth reviewing your overall ad tracking setup with tools like Google Tag Manager to maintain control over your data use.Learn more here.
Questions and answers
Can Google use my Gmail content for ad targeting automatically?
No. Google uses Gmail or Photos data to personalise ads only if you explicitly opt in by connecting them to Personal Intelligence in Search.
How do I stop Google from using my Gmail or Photos data for ads?
Sign in at myaccount.google.com, go to Data & privacy > Personalization settings, then disconnect Gmail, Drive, or Photos from Personal Intelligence.
Does disconnecting these apps affect my search results?
Yes, disconnecting stops Google from using your personal content to personalise search answers or ads, but the standard search functions remain unaffected.
