Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads
Google has updated its privacy policy in a way that could mean you'll start seeing targeted ads based on your personal data if you're using personalized AI features. The update, spotted by Android Authority, adds an exception to its promise about not using your Drive, Gmail, or G
Google's updated privacy policy has significant implications for users of its personalized AI features, particularly those utilizing Gmail and Google Photos. By potentially using data from these services to target ads, Google is blurring the lines between its commitment to user privacy and its advertising-driven business model. This move may come as a surprise to users who have trusted Google with their personal data, expecting it to remain private.
The update highlights the evolving landscape of AI-driven services and the increasing importance of user data in training and personalizing these models. As AI technologies continue to advance, companies like Google must balance the need for high-quality training data with user expectations around data protection. This development also underscores the growing scrutiny of big tech companies and their data handling practices, with regulators and users alike demanding greater transparency and control.
As the digital advertising landscape continues to shift, it's essential to watch how users respond to this change and whether regulatory bodies will take action. Key areas to monitor include user uptake of Google's AI features, potential backlash or opt-outs, and any forthcoming guidance from data protection authorities. Additionally, it's worth tracking how competitors, such as Microsoft and Amazon, address similar data usage concerns in their own AI-driven services, as the industry as a whole navigates the complex intersection of personalization, advertising, and user trust.
Originally reported by theverge.com. ProxyNews adds analysis for ai & agent economy readers.