Google Can Now Provide Personal Assistance Using Your Photos and Emails

Google has launched a new opt-in feature for its Gemini assistant called Personal Intelligence. The feature allows Gemini to draw on a user’s personal data across several Google services to provide more tailored responses.

Once enabled, Personal Intelligence securely connects Gemini with information from apps such as Gmail, YouTube, Google Search, and Google Photos. Users can manage these connections by opening the Gemini app or website and navigating to Settings > Personal Intelligence, where they can choose which apps Gemini is allowed to access.

The feature is designed to help Gemini retrieve specific details from personal content, including emails, photos, and videos, to answer user questions. Google said this allows Gemini to deliver responses that are more closely tailored to an individual’s history and activity.

Data Access and Privacy Controls

Google said that when Personal Intelligence is enabled, Gemini can access user data to respond to direct requests and perform tasks. Because this information already resides within Google’s systems, users do not need to upload sensitive data to external services to personalize their experience.

Users can also choose to start temporary chats, which allow conversations with Gemini without using personalized data. Google said Gemini is designed to avoid making proactive assumptions about sensitive information, such as health data, but will discuss such topics if users explicitly ask.

Training and Data Usage

Google said Gemini will not be trained directly on personal data from Gmail inboxes or Google Photos libraries. Instead, the company said training will rely on limited information, such as user prompts in Gemini and the assistant’s responses, to improve functionality over time.

Personal Intelligence is rolling out over the next week to eligible Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers. It is available across the web, Android, and iOS.