Google's recent update to its privacy settings has sparked concern among users: the company is now using media you upload to its services, such as images, files, and audio recordings, to train its AI models. This change affects not just Google Search, but also other services like Maps, Shopping, and Translate.

What's Changing with Google's AI Training

The update introduced two new settings: Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations. These allow you to control how your activity is used to personalize your Google experience and how long your data is saved. However, the default setting is to save media for AI training, meaning users must opt out to avoid having their data used.

When you use features like Google Lens to search visually or Google Translate to practice speaking, those recordings and images may be saved for AI training. This reflects a broader industry trend where tech companies are gathering data to improve their AI services. Meta, for example, is also training its AI on user-generated content.

How to Control Your Data and Opt Out

To change your preferences, visit the Search Services History and Search Services Personalization pages. You can uncheck the "Save Media" box or configure how often you want saved data automatically deleted. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Go to the Search Services History page and uncheck "Save Media"
  • Configure data deletion settings: 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months
  • Review other privacy settings, including Web & App Activity and YouTube History

Beyond saved media, Google uses your search history, location, and other information to personalize your experience. The update separates Web & App Activity data from the new Search data setting, giving you more control over your data. As AI continues to shape the tech landscape, understanding how your data is used is crucial.

The Future of AI Data Collection

This update is part of a larger shift in the tech industry towards collecting data to improve AI services. As companies like Google and Meta continue to develop their AI capabilities, users must be aware of how their data is being used. Expect ongoing debates around data privacy and AI ethics as this trend continues.