Google Search services now retain uploaded media for AI training

Google has updated its privacy settings to allow the company to retain and use media uploaded to its search services, including images, audio, and video files, for artificial intelligence development. The change, which began rolling out in June, applies by default to users of services like Google Search, Maps, Translate, and Google Lens.

The update splits a previous privacy control called Web App Activity into two separate settings: Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations. Within the new Search Services History setting, a "Save Media" option is enabled by default. This means media from interactions such as Google Lens image searches, voice queries, and Translate speaking practice may be saved and used to improve Google's AI models and technologies. The company states this helps deliver safer, more accurate results and build better services.

Users who do not want their media used for this purpose must manually adjust their settings. They can visit the Search Services History page and uncheck the "Save Media" box. It is important to note that turning off this setting does not delete media already saved; users must separately delete that history from their...