Google has quietly expanded its data‑collection policy to include any media you store in its Search services—photos, audio clips, video recordings, and other files—so the company can use them to train its generative AI models. The change, announced in a June email, adds two toggles—Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations—that let users decide whether their activity, including media, is saved for personalization and AI development.
The update applies across the Google ecosystem, from Lens image searches to voice‑driven Search Live queries, and even to spoken practice sessions in Translate. By default, the new settings keep media for an indefinite period, though Google notes some storage is temporary for product functionality. This mirrors a broader industry shift where firms like Meta also harvest user‑generated content to fuel AI.
Users can still control the collection. Visiting the Search Services History page lets you uncheck a “Save Media” box, and you can set automatic deletion after three, 18, or 36 months. Additional privacy controls for web activity, location, and YouTube history remain accessible via Google’s broader settings hub.
