Google has introduced a new account setting that fundamentally changes how the company handles your data. Google search data AI training now allows the company to save images, files, audio, and video submitted through its Search-related services. Additionally, Google will use that content to improve its artificial intelligence models. Therefore, your uploads now contribute to AI development unless you actively disable the setting.
The change applies to media submitted through services including Google Search, Lens, Maps, Translate, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, and News. TechCrunch first highlighted the wider implications of the updated policy. Furthermore, Engadget reported that the feature covers most forms of media uploaded during a Search interaction. So the scope is quite broad across Google’s ecosystem.
What Google Can Save
Google’s new Search Services History setting stores images uploaded to Google Lens. Additionally, the system saves files submitted through Search and voice-search recordings. Furthermore, audio from Translate speaking practice gets captured. Google can also save recordings from Search Live, which allows users to communicate through voice and their phone’s camera. According to Google’s support documentation, saved media may improve its AI models. The company can enhance services powered by them, including AI Mode, Lens, Translate, Search Live, and voice search.
The policy does not cover personal media stored in Google Photos. Instead, it applies specifically to interactions with Google’s Search services. Media managed by products such as Gemini, NotebookLM, Google Voice, and YouTube remains controlled through separate settings. Therefore, not all your Google activity participates in Google search data AI training.
Setting May Be Enabled Automatically
Google is moving Search-related data away from its broader Web & App Activity controls. The company is placing it under two separate options called Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations. The new settings inherit users’ previous choices automatically. People who had Web & App Activity enabled will generally have Search Services History enabled as well. Conversely, those who had already disabled the earlier activity setting should find the new option turned off.
This means the feature is not automatically active for every account. However, it will be enabled for many users whose previous history settings were already switched on. Google is rolling out the new controls gradually across user accounts. Therefore, some users may not see these settings immediately.
How Google Uses The Media
Google says saved media can improve services and produce more personalized results. Additionally, the company can train generative AI models using this content. Before media is used for AI training, Google disconnects the information from your account. The company also uses automated filters intended to remove identifying details. Furthermore, sensitive personal information gets removed through these processes.
Google says it will request permission before sharing your media with external service providers. However, other Search Services History information may still be examined by trained reviewers. These reviewers assess and improve AI responses. Media selected for model training can be retained for up to four years. This retention occurs after it has been separated from your account. Importantly, deleting the original activity later may not remove copies already selected for training.
How To Opt Out
Users who do not want their uploaded Search media saved can access Google’s My Activity page. They should select Search Services History from the available options. Subsequently, they can uncheck the Save Media box without disabling their entire Search history. Users can also turn off Search Services History completely. Additionally, they can choose whether to delete previously stored activity.
Turning off Save Media stops Google from saving media from future Search interactions. Furthermore, it prevents Google from using that future media to train generative AI models. However, this does not apply if you submit content as feedback. Previously saved images, files, and recordings are not automatically deleted when disabled. Instead, users must separately open their Search Services History. Then they must manually remove the existing media themselves.
The Personalized Recommendations page provides separate controls for customization. Users can decide whether Google uses account information to personalize Search suggestions. Additionally, they can control whether Google personalizes AI responses and advertisements based on account data.
AI Overviews Remain Separate
Changing Search Services History does not disable AI Overviews in Google Search. Instead, it only controls how Google saves and uses activity and uploaded media. Some users add “-AI” to search queries attempting to prevent AI Overviews from appearing. However, this is not an official or reliable off switch. Google’s supported option is to select the Web filter in Search results. This displays text-based links without features such as AI Overviews. Therefore, the new media setting gives users some control over future Google search data AI training participation.
