By Staff Reporter
Google has announced major updates to its Terms of Service, with the new rules taking effect on July 30, 2026. The changes will apply to millions of users in the UAE who rely on services such as Gmail, Android, Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Maps and Gemini.
The updated terms are designed to reflect the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) across Google’s products, while giving users greater clarity about how their data is used, what content they own, and the responsibilities that come with using Google’s services.
New AI Rules Introduced
Google has added stricter safeguards to prevent the misuse of its AI-powered tools. Users are prohibited from attempting to manipulate or disrupt AI systems through techniques such as jailbreaking, prompt injection or adversarial prompting, unless they are participating in Google’s authorised security testing programmes.
The company also bans the use of AI-generated content created through its services to train or develop competing AI or machine learning models. Other prohibited activities include phishing, hacking, creating fake accounts or reviews, spreading malware, impersonating people using AI-generated content, and falsely presenting services as being affiliated with Google.
You Still Own Your Content
Google emphasises that users retain ownership of the content they upload to its platforms. However, by using Google services, users grant the company a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to store, reproduce, modify and display that content where necessary to operate and improve its services.
According to Google, this licence enables features such as file storage in Google Drive, synchronisation across devices, content sharing, translation and formatting.
How Google Uses Your Data
The updated terms explain that Google’s automated systems may analyse user content to detect spam, malware and illegal material, recognise data patterns, improve existing services and personalise recommendations, search results and advertisements.
Google says this analysis takes place while content is being sent, received and stored within its services.
The company may also use content that users have made publicly available—such as public reviews or app listings—to promote its services.
What Happens When You Delete Content
Google says deleted content will generally be removed from public view within a reasonable period. However, copies may remain if the content has already been shared with other users or indexed by third-party services and search engines until it is removed from the original source.
When Accounts Can Be Suspended
The revised terms provide clearer guidance on when Google may suspend or terminate accounts. Action may be taken if users repeatedly violate Google’s policies, engage in illegal or harmful activities such as hacking, phishing, spamming or scraping content, or where required by law.
Users who believe their accounts were suspended in error will be able to appeal Google’s decision.
Advance Notice of Future Changes
Google says it will generally notify users before introducing significant changes that negatively affect its services or before discontinuing a product. Where possible, users will also have the opportunity to export their information using Google Takeout before major service changes take effect.
The company noted that future updates to its Terms of Service may be made to reflect technological developments, legal requirements, security needs or efforts to prevent abuse. Users who disagree with future changes can choose to stop using Google’s services and close their Google Account.
