YouTube Ads updated its Google Privacy Policy on May 27, 2026, clarifying and expanding descriptions of how data is collected and used. The policy now explicitly states that Google collects data not associated with user accounts (previously only implied), adds media files to the list of collected activity types, and refines language describing how activity data is saved to user histories. The policy also introduces examples of which Google services store activity to specific history categories (Search Services History, Web & App Activity). These changes primarily clarify existing practices rather than introducing fundamentally new data collection or usage, though they make explicit what was previously described in general terms.
The updated policy clarifies how Google collects and stores activity data. The policy now explicitly states that Google collects data from unsigned-out browser sessions using device identifiers, and adds media files (images, files, audio, video) to the list of activity information it collects. The policy also provides more granular detail about how activity is stored to different history categories depending on the service (Search, Maps, Shopping, or Web & App Activity). These changes make prior practices more explicit but do not authorize new collection types beyond what was previously disclosed. You can continue to adjust privacy settings and history controls through your Google Account to manage whether data is saved.
→ Review your Google Account privacy settings to understand which history types are enabled and adjust according to your preferences
→ Visit myactivity.google.com to review the types of data Google has stored across Search Services History, Web & App Activity, and other service-based history categories
Policy now explicitly states Google collects and stores data from unsigned-out users with device identifiers; previously implied but not directly stated.
Policy adds 'media (images, files, audio, video)' to the list of collected activity types, replacing previous language that did not explicitly enumerate media.
Policy adds examples clarifying that activity from different services (Search, Maps, Shopping, Web & App) is stored to specific history categories rather than a single activity log.
This change record describes what was added, removed, or modified in the document. Analysis reflects what the updated agreement states or permits. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Applicability may vary by jurisdiction. Methodology
This is a clarification update to the Google Privacy Policy effective May 26, 2026. The changes make explicit what data types are collected (media files, unsigned-out browser data) and detail how activity is categorized and …
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