Google has activated a new privacy setting that saves user-uploaded media from Search for AI training. The option is enabled by default and affects images, audio, and files. Users must manually opt out to prevent their data from being used.
Google has introduced a new privacy setting that automatically saves user-uploaded media from Search services for use in artificial intelligence training. The change, which is being rolled out globally over the coming months, means that images, audio, and files shared through Google Search, Google Lens, and related tools may be stored and used to improve the company’s AI models unless users take action to opt out.
The new feature, called Search Services History, appears in Google account settings and is enabled by default for most users. Those who previously disabled Web & App Activity and Search Personalization will find it switched off, but for the majority, the setting is active without explicit consent. The option to save uploaded media for AI training is also pre-selected, requiring users to manually uncheck it if they do not wish their data to be included in AI development.
To manage these preferences, users must visit the My Activity page in their Google account and navigate to the Search Services History tab. Here, it is possible to review what data is being stored, disable the setting entirely, or delete past activity. Importantly, unchecking the box next to Save media is necessary to prevent image and audio uploads from being used in AI training. Once data is used for this purpose, it is separated from the user’s account and may be retained for up to four years, even if the original activity is deleted.
Google states that the new settings are intended to help users revisit previous searches, including visual and voice queries, and that they can be adjusted at any time. However, the company has not clarified why the feature is enabled by default or addressed concerns about the scope of data collection. According to the description on the settings page, Google now saves not only typed search queries but also images, files, and audio or video recordings from interactions with Search services. This includes uploads to Google Lens, voice searches, and recordings from Search Live or Translate speaking practice.
The expansion of data collection reflects the growing need for diverse inputs to train advanced AI models. By leveraging its extensive user base and the variety of services it offers, Google is able to gather a wide range of data types, potentially accelerating its AI development compared to competitors. Experts in digital privacy note that the company’s longstanding presence and integration into daily routines may make users less likely to notice or object to such changes, even when they involve sensitive personal information.
Critics argue that requiring users to opt out, rather than opt in, places an unfair burden on individuals to protect their privacy. They suggest that companies should seek explicit consent before enabling features that involve personal data in AI training. Google’s communication to users frames the change as offering more control over saved history, highlighting benefits such as the ability to revisit past visual searches or continue conversations. However, the company provides little detail about the implications of using this data for AI training, focusing instead on the convenience of the new settings.
For context, Spain and other EU countries have strict data protection regulations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which require transparency and user control over personal data. While Google’s new setting technically allows users to opt out, the default activation and the complexity of managing these preferences may raise questions about compliance and user awareness. The shift also comes as global scrutiny of AI data practices intensifies, with regulators and advocacy groups calling for clearer safeguards and easier ways for individuals to manage their digital footprint.
