Google Opts Users Into AI Media Training by Default
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- Google updated its Search services privacy settings in June, adding two new options — "Search Services History" and "Personalized Recommendations" — that default to saving user media for AI training
- The expanded collection covers images, audio, video, and files across Google Search, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News, including photos snapped via Google Lens and audio from voice and Translate features
- Google confirmed in a customer email that "saved media is also used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures," per its help documentation
- Users can opt out by unchecking the "Save Media" box on the Search Services History page, with auto-deletion options at 3, 18, or 36 months
- The update split Google's prior "Web & App Activity" setting into two — the original activity data and a new Search data toggle that is on by default, meaning past opt-outs there no longer cover Search services
- The article frames this as part of a broader industry pattern, noting Meta similarly trains its AI on user images and content captured by its AI glasses
Why it matters: Millions of Google users are likely feeding personal photos, voice recordings, and files into Google's AI models because the opt-in was buried in a June email and media-saving defaults are turned on. The change splits the old Web & App Activity control, so users who previously opted out there are now re-opted in via a separate Search data toggle. Finding and flipping the new switches takes minutes but requires knowing they exist.
