Google confirmed on Friday that it has started testing ads inside AI Mode in Search for users who connect their apps through Personal Intelligence. The test reverses the ad-free approach Google had described for that experience, according to Search Engine Roundtable, which reported the change on October 19 and cited Google's confirmation to Search Engine Land.
In March, Google told Search Engine Land that people who connect their apps to AI Mode saw no ads, and that it anticipated ads would operate similarly in the future. Google's updated help documentation now addresses the question directly. It states that ads will not be based directly on a user's Gmail inbox or Google Photos library. Search may reference summaries, excerpts and inferences from connected sources to personalize responses, and Google says that same information may be used to show ads.
Google lists several limits on the test. Advertisers do not receive access to a user's connected apps. Personalized ads do not draw on sensitive categories such as race, religion or health. Connecting apps is a user choice, and users can adjust their settings or disconnect the apps at any time. Ads continue to reflect the user's query, the context of the AI response and the user's interests.
Google has not announced new advertiser controls, targeting options or a wider rollout for the test. Personal Intelligence lets AI Mode draw on information from apps a user chooses to link.
Source: Search Engine Roundtable - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ads-ai-mode-personal-intelligence-42320.html