Google expands data collection to include user‑uploaded media for AI training

Google has added a new privacy setting called Search Services History that saves photos, audio, video and other files users upload through its search‑related services—including Google Lens, Search, Translate, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels and News. The saved media can be used to develop and improve Google’s AI models and safety measures. The feature is enabled by default for accounts where Web & App Activity is on, but users can opt out by disabling the “Save Media” option in the Search Services History page of My Google Activity. Google’s email announcement in June indicated that the change applies globally and that saved media may be retained for up to four years, though some regions such as the European Union may be subject to GDPR restrictions. Users can also delete existing saved items or turn off the entire history. The move reflects a broader industry trend of leveraging user‑generated content to feed generative‑AI models.

The update has drawn attention to privacy and consent issues, prompting advice from tech outlets on how to control the new setting. Google states that the data is anonymised for training and that human reviewers may inspect it under strict controls.