Google is introducing new privacy settings for its Search services, giving users the option to opt out of having their media used for AI training. The change, set to roll out over the next few months, includes a setting called Search Services History, which was already enabled when users first accessed the page. Users can now visit Google’s My Activity page to manage their data retention settings, including the ability to delete their activity or turn off the feature entirely. The new option allows users to control whether their uploaded media, such as images and audio, is retained for AI model training.
The feature, which was already active for many users, lets them uncheck the box next to 'Save media' if they do not want their image uploads used for AI training. According to the page’s description, saved media includes images, files, and audio and video recordings from interactions with Search services, such as Google Lens images, Search Live recordings, and voice searches. Google explained that AI models require diverse inputs beyond text data, such as audio or video, to improve. The company emphasized that its massive user base across multiple services gives it an edge in data collection.
Google’s email to users framed the change as providing 'even more control over saved history,' with examples showing how saving media may be helpful for revisiting past searches. However, the message did not provide similar examples after stating that the saved media would be used for AI model training. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the default setting and the need for users to actively opt out, highlighting the growing challenge of managing data privacy across platforms.
Source: wired
