Google's New Setting May Use Your Photos and Voice to Train AI

Google is rolling out a new setting called Search Services History that could allow the company to use photos, voice recordings, and other media from user interactions to train its artificial intelligence models. The update, which is gradually being implemented, could impact how users engage with services like Google Lens, voice search, and AI Mode.

The Save Media option within Search Services History, if enabled, permits Google to save media from search interactions. This saved media may then be utilized to develop and enhance Google's AI models and technologies. According to Google, previously saved media that has been selected for AI training may be retained for up to four years, even if the original activity is later deleted from a user's account.

This setting is linked to prior user choices for Web & App Activity and Search Personalization. If these were previously enabled, the new Search Services History setting may also be turned on by default. Users are advised to check their account settings to understand how their data is being used.

Understanding the Implications

While Google states that saved media can help users revisit past searches or continue conversations, the primary implication of the Save Media setting is its contribution to AI development. This means that images uploaded to identify objects, voice commands, or audio snippets used for language practice could become part of the data pipeline for training AI. The company emphasizes that this is a trade-off for potentially more personalized features.

Turning off the Save Media setting will prevent future media from being saved for AI training purposes. However, it does not retroactively remove media already collected or stop Google from using data for other purposes, such as responding to queries or maintaining service safety. Additionally, this setting is separate from activity controls for other Google services like Gemini Apps, YouTube, and Google Voice.

How to Opt-Out

Users can manage these settings by visiting myactivity.google.com. It is recommended to use a computer for easier navigation of account settings. If the Search Services History setting is not yet visible, it may still be controlled by the older Web & App Activity setting.

For users who find Search Services History enabled, disabling the Save Media subsetting is the key step to prevent future media from being used for AI training. Users can also opt to turn off Search Services History entirely, with an option to delete past activity. To remove previously saved media, users should navigate to the "View and delete saved history" section within Search Services History.

It is important for users to repeat this process for all Google Accounts they may use, as settings can vary across personal, work, or older accounts.