Google Now Uses More Search Data to Train AI—Here’s How to Opt Out
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Google users may want to take a closer look at their privacy settings after a recent update quietly expanded the type of data the company can use to improve its artificial intelligence systems.
Following a privacy settings update announced through a customer email in June, Google now allows certain media uploaded through its Search services—including images, files, audio recordings, and videos—to be stored and used for AI training unless users choose to disable the feature. The update has raised concerns among privacy-conscious users because the new settings are enabled by default for many accounts.
Google Expands AI Training Beyond Search Queries
The latest changes introduce two new privacy controls called Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations. These settings let users decide how Google stores their activity, how long it keeps that information, and how it personalizes their experience across Google services.
However, the update also broadens the scope of data that may be used to develop Google’s AI models. Instead of relying only on search queries and publicly available web content, Google can now also use media uploaded through several of its search-related products.
The changes affect more than just Google Search. They also apply to services including Google Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, News, and other Search-powered features.
Photos, Voice Searches, and Other Media May Be Saved
Several Google tools are impacted by the new policy.
For example, if you use Google Lens to identify an object by taking a photo, that image may now be stored for AI training purposes. Likewise, voice searches made through the Search Live feature in the Google app can be saved, along with audio recorded while practicing pronunciation in Google Translate.
According to Google, some of this information is temporarily stored to make these features function correctly. However, the company also states that saved media may be retained to improve Google services, including training generative AI models and enhancing safety systems.
Google Confirms AI Training Through Customer Email
Google directly addressed the change in its customer email, explaining that saved media, similar to Search Services History, is used to “develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures.”
The company’s support documentation reinforces this policy, stating that user history helps provide, develop, and improve Google services, including generative AI training, while also helping protect users and the public with assistance from human reviewers.
The update reflects a wider trend across the technology industry. Companies are increasingly collecting user-generated content—not just publicly available information—to strengthen their AI products. Meta has adopted a similar strategy by using user images, media, and content captured through its AI-powered smart glasses to improve its AI systems.
How Users Can Disable Media Storage
Users who prefer not to have their uploaded media used in this way still have options.
Within the Search Services History settings, users can disable the Save Media option without turning off Search Services History completely, or they can disable both settings entirely. Google also allows users to automatically delete saved information after 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months.
Additional privacy controls are available through Google’s broader privacy settings, where users can manage Web & App Activity, Timeline, YouTube History, and other account data.
Search Data Is Now Managed Separately
One important change introduced by the update is that Google Search activity is now handled separately from the existing Web & App Activity controls.
Previously, adjusting Web & App Activity settings affected how Google stored search history. After the update, Search data has its own dedicated setting, which is enabled by default. This means users who previously modified Web & App Activity to limit data collection may still have Search Services History active unless they manually change the new setting.
In addition to media storage, Google continues to use search history, location information, and data collected from websites users visit to personalize recommendations and display targeted advertisements. Users concerned about privacy should review the new Search Services settings to ensure they match their preferred level of data sharing.
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