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Smarter AI answers, with a side order of ads.

Rachit Agarwal / Digital Trends

There’s no such thing as a free recommendation. Google’s latest policy tweak is a clear reminder. Google has long promised that your Gmail, Drive, and Google Photos content never helps it personalize ads.

However, since October 16, 2026, its privacy policy adds a catch. The promise lapses if you let other ad-showing Google services use that content. That means using Personal Intelligence, an opt-in tool that lets Google’s AI search read your connected apps, does exactly that (via Google ).

Google Workspace

How does my private data end up in an ad?

If you ask Google’s AI Mode where to eat near your hotel, and it can identify your hotel from the booking confirmation in Gmail, find the location in Maps, and then suggest a few places you might like. That’s the helpful half.

The twist, however, is that AI Mode can also show sponsored results.…