Google updates privacy policy and joins Bavarian business association

Google has updated its privacy policy regarding its Personal Intelligence feature, which integrates AI search modes and the Gemini chatbot. Under the new guidelines, which took effect on October 16, 2026, data shared through these features can be used for targeted advertising. This marks a departure from a 2021 commitment that prohibited using content from Google Drive, Gmail, or Photos for personalized ads. However, the company notes that this use only occurs if users actively link these services via the Personal Intelligence opt-in; without such a connection, content remains protected from ad targeting. Google stated that advertisers will not have direct access to document contents or identifying information like names and email addresses, and sensitive data categories remain restricted.

In a separate development, Google has become the first US technology company to join the Association of the Bavarian Economy (vbw). As the association's 222nd member, Google aims to collaborate on digital transformation, industrial AI applications, and technological sovereignty within Bavaria. The partnership is intended to integrate Google's expertise in cybersecurity, data-sovereign cloud solutions, and industrial AI with the Bavarian industrial network.