The policy discloses that when users visit third-party websites or apps that integrate Google services such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, or embedded YouTube content, those services share activity information with Google regardless of whether the user is browsing in a privacy mode such as Chrome Incognito.
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 provision clarifies that browser-level privacy controls such as Incognito mode do not prevent data collection by Google through third-party integrations, which is operationally significant for users who rely on private browsing modes as a privacy mechanism.
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 →Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Third-Party Site Data Collection Regardless of Browser Privacy Mode and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"This information is shared regardless of which browser or browser mode you use. For example, although Incognito mode in Chrome can help keep your browsing private from other people who use your device, third party sites and apps that integrate our services still share information with Google when you visit them.Excerpt from Google's Privacy Policy
1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision implicates GDPR transparency and consent requirements as applied to third-party tracking.
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This provision clarifies that browser-level privacy controls such as Incognito mode do not prevent data collection by Google through third-party integrations, which is operationally significant for users who rely on private browsing modes as a privacy mechanism.
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