Google's privacy policy changed on October 16, 2026. Content from Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos can now shape the ads you see, if you connect those apps to Google services that show personalized ads, such as Search through the Personal Intelligence feature. The policy still says Google does not personalize ads based on that content, and now adds an exception: "unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads."
The change was first reported by Android Authority on October 23. Here is what it covers, how to turn it off, and what a mailbox built on a different model looks like.
What changed, exactly
- It is opt-in. Nothing changes unless you connect Gmail, Drive or Photos to Personal Intelligence. Google says connecting your apps is "entirely opt-in."
- Ads can draw on connected data. Google says ads "will not be based directly" on your inbox or photo library, and that sensitive information is excluded. Search may still process data you connect to personalize content, ads included.
- It is not available everywhere. Connecting apps is not offered in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Nigeria, or on Workspace business, enterprise and education accounts. Elsewhere it is a beta for personal accounts of adults.
- Advertisers do not receive your content. Google says it does not pass the content of Gmail, Drive or Photos, or details like your name and email address, to advertisers.
How to check and turn it off
If you connected your apps, go to your Google Account, then Data & privacy, then the personalization settings for Search, and disconnect Gmail, Drive and Photos. Disconnecting stops new access. Data already saved in your Search history can remain until you delete it there.
The alternative: a mailbox the provider cannot read
The Google change is a policy setting, and policies change. Proton Mail works from a different starting point: messages are stored with zero-access encryption, so Proton cannot read them, and the service is funded by paid plans instead of ads. Its apps are open source, so that design can be checked.
Moving does not have to happen in one day. Proton's Easy Switch tool imports your Gmail messages, contacts and calendar, and can forward new Gmail mail to your Proton inbox while you update your accounts.
For files and photos, Proton Drive is the replacement for Google Drive and Google Photos, with end-to-end encryption and its own document and spreadsheet editors. Photos come across from Google with Google Takeout.
Get Proton Mail Plus for $1.99/month
Black Friday prices through November 30
Proton's Black Friday sale runs through November 30, 2026, through partner links like the ones on this page. The coupon is applied at checkout.
| Plan | Black Friday price | First term | Renews at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail Plus (60% off, 15 GB) | $1.99/month | $23.88 for 12 months | $47.88 per year |
| Drive Plus (60% off, 200 GB) | $1.99/month | $23.88 for 12 months | $47.88 per year |
| Proton Unlimited (50% off, 500 GB) | $6.49/month | $77.88 for 12 months | $119.88 per year |
Proton Unlimited covers Mail, Drive, Pass and VPN in one plan, which replaces both Gmail and Google Drive. Mail Plus and Drive Plus bought separately cost $47.76 for the first year; Unlimited costs $30.12 more and adds Pass, VPN and 500 GB of storage. Every plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get Proton Unlimited for $6.49/month
Every Proton deal, including the 75% VPN Plus offer, is in our Proton Black Friday deals guide.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. Tuxxin earns a small commission when you sign up through them, at no extra cost to you. Google policy details are from Google's privacy policy effective October 16, 2026. Proton prices were checked on Proton's Black Friday pages on October 27, 2026.