Google may use insights from connected Gmail and Photos accounts for ads

Google could use information drawn from connected Gmail, Drive and Photos accounts to personalize advertising. Its revised policy permits that use when people choose to share data with another Google service that supports targeted ads. The policy establishes permission, rather than confirming that every connected account is already receiving such advertising.

The policy took effect October 16. Google says Search can use information obtained through those connections to tailor content, including advertising. The exception depends on account settings and which service receives the information.

Google distinguishes between directly targeting ads from an inbox or photo library and using information derived from those sources. Its Search guidance says extracted passages, summaries and inferred information may influence ads. The company says advertisers cannot access the connected inbox or photo library.

The distinction matters because connecting apps for more useful answers can also affect advertising. Google says people can remove those connections or change their settings at any time. Its guidance does not specify a universal rollout date for ads using that information.