This analysis describes what Google's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This restriction limits the use of certain sensitive personal characteristics as bases for ad targeting, providing a defined boundary on how user data may be used for personalization.
Interpretive note: The phrase 'such as' indicates the listed categories are illustrative rather than exhaustive, but the canonical claim reflects only what is explicitly stated.
The updated policy establishes a new opt-in mechanism that allows Google services like Search and Gemini to access data from other Google services you use, including Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive, to personalize your experience and show you targeted ads. Previously, Google's policy stated it did not show personalized ads based on content from these services. Under the revised terms, if you choose to enable this feature, Google may use data from Gmail, Photos, and Drive to personalize ads and content, including through a feature called Personal Intelligence. You can manage this through your Google account settings to control which services can access data from other services.
View change record →Google's Privacy Policy now gives an effective date of October 1, 2026, replacing May 26, 2026. One passage changed. It covers information Google collects when you are not signed in, which it stores with identifiers tied to your browser, app or device. The policy previously said this lets Google show more relevant search results or ads “based on your activity”; it now says “based on your activity across devices.”
View change record →The updated policy explicitly discloses that Google collects data when you are signed out and stores it with unique identifiers tied to your browser, application, or device. The policy also expands the types of activity it collects to include 'media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions,' in addition to previously listed categories. The revised language reorganizes privacy controls into 'Search Services History' and 'Web & App Activity,' and clarifies that depending on your settings, activity from services like Search, Maps, and Shopping is saved as history to your Google Account. You can manage these settings through your Google Account privacy controls, including the ability to turn off Web & App Activity or adjust Personalized Recommendations in Search services.
View change record →YouTube Ads will not target you with personalized ads on the basis of sensitive categories including race, religion, sexual orientation, or health.
How other platforms handle this
Contain links to any site competitive with ZipRecruiter other than to an actual job posting
upload or make available (1) unsolicited advertising, promotional materials, or spam, (2) any personal, financial, or sensitive information (such as government IDs, social security numbers, or health data) without proper authorization
your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are responsible for: (i) your activities while using our Services; (ii) your compliance with this Policy; and (iii) ensuring your use of the Services doesn't violate any child protection laws.
"We don't show you personalized ads based on sensitive categories, such as race, religion, sexual orientation, or health.Excerpt from Google's Privacy Policy
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This restriction limits the use of certain sensitive personal characteristics as bases for ad targeting, providing a defined boundary on how user data may be used for personalization.
YouTube Ads will not target you with personalized ads on the basis of sensitive categories including race, religion, sexual orientation, or health.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 238 platforms. See the full comparison.
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