Google is testing ads in AI Mode when Gmail and Photos are connected: how to switch it off

What changed

Techlicious reports that Google’s privacy policy, updated October 16, now says Search may process data you allow it to access to personalize content, including ads. That is an exception to Google’s long-standing line that it does not use Gmail or Photos content for ads.

Search Engine Roundtable reported on October 19 that Google has begun testing ads in AI Mode for people who have Personal Intelligence turned on. In March, Google had said that setting would stay ad-free.

Who this affects

Only people who connect content apps such as Gmail, Google Calendar or Google Photos to Personal Intelligence. If you never connected them, this change is not aimed at you.

Techlicious says the article does not explain the default for new or existing users, so check your own settings instead of assuming.

What Google says it will and will not do

• Ads are not based directly on your inbox or Photos library, but information drawn from them, such as summaries and inferences, may be used.
• Advertisers do not get access to your connected Gmail or Photos.
• Ads should not target sensitive categories such as race, religion, sexual orientation or health.
• Google says it does not train its generative AI directly on your inbox or photo images, but it can train on summaries, excerpts and inferences, and some data may be reviewed by people.

How to turn it off

Techlicious lists these steps: open Search Services Personalization, go to Additional Personal Intelligence, then Connected Content Apps, and disconnect Google Workspace or Google Photos. You can also turn off Personalized Recommendations on the same page.

Disconnecting does not erase what was already collected. Delete it in Search Services History and Google My Activity. Turning off personalized ads in My Ad Center may not stop AI personalization on its own.

Why Google is doing this

Ads pay for most of Google’s business, and AI Mode answers are becoming a place where people spend time. Connecting your own email and photos makes answers more personal, and personal data also makes ads more relevant. The trade is convenience for data, so it is a choice worth making on purpose rather than by default.

What is still unclear

Google has not explained, in the reports we read, where the ad test runs or how many people see it. It is also unclear how long retained history is kept. If you rely on AI Mode, decide whether the convenience of connected email and photos is worth the extra data trail.