Google has taken another major step toward hyper-personalised artificial intelligence with the rollout of a new feature called Personal Intelligence for Google’s AI assistant, Gemini. The update is designed to help Gemini deliver more relevant and context-aware answers by securely drawing from a user’s own Google ecosystem, including Gmail, Photos and Search history.
According to reports, Personal Intelligence allows Gemini to connect with a user’s existing Google data to move beyond generic responses. Instead of relying solely on web-wide information, the AI can now reference personal emails, images and past searches to respond in a way that reflects individual habits, preferences and history. For example, Gemini could locate travel details buried in Gmail, identify information from uploaded photos, or recall past searches to answer follow-up questions more accurately.
Today, we’re introducing Personal Intelligence.
With your permission, Gemini can now securely connect information from Google apps like @Gmail, @GooglePhotos, Search and @YouTube history with a single tap to make Gemini uniquely helpful & personalized to *you* ✨
This feature… pic.twitter.com/79zKJGA5ft— Google (@Google) January 14, 2026
The feature is currently rolling out in beta for paid Gemini users in the United States, marking a significant shift in how AI assistants interact with personal data. Google has emphasised that Personal Intelligence is strictly opt-in and disabled by default. Users must explicitly choose which services they want Gemini to access, such as Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube history or Search activity.
Privacy and control remain central to Google’s messaging around the update. The company has stated that Gemini will only use personal data when directly prompted by the user and will not make assumptions about sensitive topics such as health, finances or relationships. Users can review, manage or disconnect data sources at any time, reinforcing Google’s claim that Personal Intelligence is designed to enhance usefulness without compromising trust.
From a functionality standpoint, the move positions Gemini as more than just a conversational chatbot. By tapping into personal context, the AI can assist with tasks such as recalling booking confirmations, summarising long email threads, finding specific photos, or offering suggestions based on previous online activity. This deeper integration aligns with Google’s broader strategy to embed AI across its services and make Gemini a central digital assistant.
The update also intensifies competition in the rapidly evolving AI space, where personalisation is emerging as a key differentiator. As rival AI platforms race to become everyday productivity tools, Google’s advantage lies in its vast ecosystem of interconnected services and long-standing user data relationships.
However, the feature is likely to spark debate around data usage and transparency, particularly as AI systems become more embedded in daily digital life. While Google insists that safeguards are in place, scrutiny from users and regulators is expected as Personal Intelligence expands to more regions and accounts.
For now, the rollout signals Google’s vision for the future of AI: assistants that not only answer questions, but understand users in context. If widely adopted, Gemini’s Personal Intelligence could redefine how people interact with their own digital histories, turning years of stored data into an active, intelligent resource rather than a passive archive.
