Changes to Google’s privacy policy: What are the rules regarding Gmail and Photos data?

According to a report by Android Authority, Google updated its privacy policy on October 16. Previously, the company’s policy stated that content from Gmail, Drive, and Photos would not be used to display personalized advertisements.

A new provision has now been added to the policy. Under this, information from these services may be used to tailor advertisements to your preferences across other Google services.

However, this will not happen automatically for every user. It requires the user to grant permission for this information to be used across other services. This process depends on which services and settings you have enabled.

What is the connection with Gemini and Google Search?
Google’s AI service, Gemini, and certain features within Google Search can be integrated with Gmail, Drive, and Photos. If a user grants permission to use these features, the AI ​​may gain access to specific information contained within these services.

The objective is to provide users with more relevant responses and suggestions. For instance, by leveraging information from Gmail or Drive, Gemini can offer better context when answering your queries.

It is important to note, however, that granting Gemini permission to access your information does not automatically mean your data will be used for advertising purposes. This depends entirely on which features you have enabled and which services you have authorized to use your information.

Will advertisers be able to see your emails and photos?
A primary concern regarding Google’s new policy is whether advertisers will now be able to view the contents of your Gmail inbox, files in Google Drive, or photos stored in Google Photos. Google clarifies that advertisers are not granted access to your private emails or photos. The company does not share your emails or photos directly with advertisers. Furthermore, information that identifies you—such as your name or email address—is not shared with them. It is therefore important to distinguish between showing personalized advertisements and providing advertisers with access to your private content.

Why are your permissions and privacy settings important?
Following the introduction of the new policy, it has become even more essential for users to pay attention to their Google account settings. Users should be aware of which Google services they have authorized to share information.

Check app and service permissions: Review which features are permitted to access information from Gmail, Drive, and Photos.

Review Gemini settings: Check whether Gemini has been granted permission to access information from your other Google services.

Understand ad-related settings: Review the advertising and personalization options available within your Google account.

Disable unnecessary access: Avoid granting permissions to features that you do not need.

Should Gmail users be concerned?

The changes to Google’s policy do not mean that all your emails, photos, and files will now be accessible to advertising companies. According to the company, advertisers are not granted the ability to directly view your private emails or photos.

However, information from Gmail, Drive, and Photos may be used across other Google services, subject to certain conditions. Consequently, users need to understand their account settings and the permissions they have granted—especially when using features like Gemini or Google Search that may integrate with other Google services.

In summary, given Google’s new policy, it has become more important than ever to understand the relationship between data sharing and personalized advertising. Users should regularly review their permissions and privacy settings.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.