Google Wants You to Use Gemini More—By Letting It Read Your Search History
Google announced today that users can now opt to let Gemini access their search history when asking for assistance. The company claims this will lead to more personalized responses, tailoring insights based on your past searches. “This will enable Gemini to provide more personalized insights, drawing from a broader understanding of your activities and preferences to deliver responses that truly resonate with you,” Google explained.
Understandably, many people might find this unsettling. The idea of an AI combing through your search history feels straight out of a dystopian novel—like a digital nanny analyzing your every move. But in reality, this isn’t much different from what Google has been doing for years. Gmail, for instance, has been serving ads based on email content for over two decades. Once users recognize the convenience, it may not feel so invasive—especially since Google insists this feature isn’t about showing more ads.
Google says it will only use your search history when its AI determines it’s actually helpful. Example prompts include: “Where should I go on vacation?” or “I want to start a YouTube channel but need content ideas.” You can even ask for hobby suggestions. And if it ever feels too intrusive, you can disconnect your search history from Gemini at any time. The feature is available through the Gemini app in the browser, but only for Gemini or Gemini Advanced subscribers.
Curious about its effectiveness, I tested Gemini for YouTube content ideas. It was eerily accurate. It suggested I focus on smartphones and Android devices—no surprise there. But then it also mentioned Tamagotchis and retro tech, which I’ve recently been buying on eBay while researching ways to revive old 2000s cell phones. One suggestion even caught me off guard: parenting and mental health. Gemini connected my searches on perimenopause, anxiety, and gentle parenting, proposing that I create content around those topics. “You could share your experiences or discuss helpful resources,” it suggested. A bit intense, but undeniably insightful.
You can turn on the new Gemini features from the browser app.
If you do enable this personalization, be mindful of what you search for. If there’s something you never want AI to bring up, consider using a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo instead.
Beyond search integration, Google is also rolling out Gems to all users, even those without a Gemini Advanced subscription. DeepResearch, previously locked behind a paywall, is now free to everyone. And Gemini just got a boost with the new 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model, improving how it handles cross-app requests across Google services like Calendar and Photos.
In short, Google is doubling down on Gemini’s AI capabilities—and making sure you have more reasons to use it.
