Google Expands AI Training Data Collection via Search Services History

Google is rolling out a global update to its Search services that will automatically retain users’ search history and uploaded media for the purpose of training its artificial-intelligence models. The change, introduced through a setting called Search Services History, is enabled by default and will apply to all accounts during the rollout period slated for the next several months.

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Previously, users could control data collection through the Web & App Activity and Search Personalization toggles. The new setting expands data capture to include every piece of media—such as photos used for reverse-image searches and audio from Google Translate—allowing Google to store these items in the user’s account for AI training.

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• Google – the company implementing the Search Services History feature across its Search platform.

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• Google Search users – individuals whose search queries, uploaded images, and spoken translations may be retained unless they actively opt out.

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• Announcement – Users receive an email titled “New privacy settings for Search services.”

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• Rollout – The feature is being deployed worldwide over the next few months.

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• Opt-Out – Users can navigate to the My Activity page, select the Search Services History tab, and disable the setting or delete existing activity.

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• The Save media checkbox is pre-checked for new users, meaning media is retained unless the box is manually cleared.

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• If a user has already disabled Web & App Activity and Search Personalization, the new setting remains off for that account.

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Google has communicated that the Search Services History option is intended to improve the performance of its AI models by leveraging a broader set of user-generated data. The company frames the default activation as a means to ensure sufficient training material while providing a clear pathway for users to withdraw consent via the My Activity interface.

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Privacy advocates and some users view the automatic inclusion of media as an overreach, arguing that the default-on approach diminishes meaningful consent and expands corporate access to personal content without explicit user approval.

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The source material does not specify how long retained data will be stored, which specific AI models will utilize the media, or the exact scope of data beyond the categories mentioned. These omissions leave open questions about long-term privacy implications.

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• “New privacy settings for Search services.” — Email subject line, Google

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• “A little piece of my soul shrivels up every time I get a message laying out how another company plans to use personal data in ever encroaching ways for AI training.” — Author, Wired

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• “Every piece of media, from photos you upload for reverse image searches to audio of you speaking with Google Translate, may be retained in your account and used to improve Google’s AI models.” — Author, Wired

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• “It’s critical to uncheck the box next to Save media if you don’t want your image uploads used for AI training.” — Author, Wired

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• “When this rolls out to your account, you can visit Google’s My Activity page and then select the Search Services History tab to opt out.” — Author, Wired

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Users can immediately access the My Activity page to disable the setting and delete existing records. As the rollout proceeds, regulatory bodies may examine the practice, and Google may provide additional guidance on data retention and model usage.

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