The arrival of non-text Google Ads – part of the privacy policy changes?

I just opened my email and saw my first non-text Google Ad – see screenshot. One of the things I always liked about Google for email is that even though I’m exchanging free for looking at ads, the ads were always unobtrusive text-based ads. It looks like Google is making some pretty major adjustments to our email experience right now alongside its new company-wide privacy policy.

Clicking on the “Why these ads?” link shows this popup helper text: “These ads are based on emails from your mailbox. Visit Google’s Ads Preferences Manager to learn more, block specific advertisers, or opt out of personalized ads.”

I think generally these changes makes sense and am not too worried (yet!) – but will definitely be choosing to opt out of these “personal ads”.