Yahoo Finance Google New Terms Clarify All Emails Are Scanned
Google (NasdaqGS: GOOG - news) has updated its terms of service to make clear it automatically scans all users' emails to create targeted ads.
The internet giant amended its service terms to clarify all emails stored on Google's servers are analysed, as well as all incoming and outgoing emails, to provide users with "personally relevant product features".
The update said: "Our automated systems analyse your content (including emails) to provide you personally relevant product features, such as customised search results, tailored advertising, and spam and malware detection.
"This analysis occurs as the content is sent, received, and when it is stored."
Google has recently come under fire for not being clear enough about its scanning policy.
The company's spokesman Matt Kallman said the new amendments were designed to address this criticism.
He said they "will give people even greater clarity and are based on feedback we've received over the last few months".
Gmail users - and non-Gmail users - have accused Google of violating the privacy rights of hundreds of millions of email users by breaking privacy and wiretapping laws to compile secret profiles and target advertising.
In March, a US judge decided not to combine the legal actions into a single lawsuit. It means if they wish to sue the company they will need to proceed individually or in small groups.
Google has claimed its users have implicitly consented to its scanning activity, recognising it as part of the email delivery process.
More From Sky News