Google has updated its Search privacy controls in a way that allows saved media from Search services to be used to improve its AI models. The change means images, files, audio and video recordings uploaded or created through Google Search-related products may be saved and used for AI development unless users change their settings.
The update introduced two settings: Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations. Google said the controls are meant to give users more choice over saved history and personalization, but the Search Services History setting can include media used in products such as Search, Lens, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate and News.
Google’s support documentation says saved media may be used to develop and improve Google’s AI models and the services that use them. The company also says Search Services History may be reviewed by human reviewers, including trained service providers, as part of improving its products.
Search Media Can Now Be Saved Separately
The change matters because Google has separated Search activity from the broader Web & App Activity setting many users previously relied on to manage data retention. Turning off or changing Web & App Activity does not necessarily stop Search Services History from saving data.
For example, an image uploaded through Google Lens may be saved. Voice searches, audio from Search Live, or speech practice in Google Translate may also fall under saved media if the setting is enabled.
Google says it takes steps to protect data used for AI training, including disconnecting data from a Google Account before it is used to train models. The company also says it will seek permission before sharing media with service providers for human review as part of model improvement.
Still, the update reflects a broader shift among large technology companies. As AI companies look for more training data, user-uploaded photos, files, voice inputs and other media are becoming increasingly valuable for improving consumer AI systems.
Users Can Turn Off Saved Media
Users can change the setting from Google’s Search Services History controls. They can either turn off Search Services History entirely or uncheck the “Save Media” option while leaving other Search history settings active.
Google also lets users set automatic deletion periods for saved activity, including after three months, 18 months or 36 months. Users can separately manage personalization through the Search Services Personalization and Google Account privacy pages.
The update gives users some control, but it also makes privacy management more complex. People who previously changed Web & App Activity settings may need to review the new Search-specific controls to make sure media from Search services is not being saved.
For users who do not want photos, files, audio or video from Search-related tools used to improve Google’s AI systems, the most direct step is to open Search Services History and turn off “Save Media.”
Featured image credits: PickPik
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