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
Any policy change that would narrow user rights is conditioned on explicit user consent, preventing unilateral reduction of rights through policy updates alone.
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 →Your rights under the Privacy Policy cannot be reduced by YouTube Ads without your explicit consent.
How other platforms handle this
If we make material changes to the Notice, we will provide notice or obtain consent regarding such changes as may be required by law.
If required by the local laws, we will notify you and/or seek your consent.
We may change this Policy from time to time. We will post any privacy policy changes on this page and, if the changes are material, we will provide you with notice.
"We will not reduce your rights under this Privacy Policy without your explicit consent.Excerpt from Google's Privacy Policy
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Any policy change that would narrow user rights is conditioned on explicit user consent, preventing unilateral reduction of rights through policy updates alone.
Your rights under the Privacy Policy cannot be reduced by YouTube Ads without your explicit consent.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 285 platforms. See the full comparison.
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