Google Begins Saving User Media for AI Training, Users Can Opt Out

Google has expanded the types of media it saves from users during searches to enhance its artificial intelligence systems. This new default setting includes images, audio recordings, videos, and files uploaded while using Google Search services, which may be used later to develop and improve the company’s AI models. The setting is enabled by default for many users but can be disabled manually in the account settings.

This change does not affect all Google-stored content; for example, images stored in Google Photos are excluded. However, media uploaded through tools like Google Lens for image searches, voice recordings from voice search, files uploaded to Google Translate, and other media used in Google Search services may be saved and utilized to improve service quality. Google states that the saved media helps enhance user experience, such as enabling users to revisit previous search actions, and supports the advancement of technologies including Lens, Translate, AI Mode, and voice search.

When media is used for AI training, it is detached from the user’s account and retained for up to four years. Users who do not want their uploaded content to be used for AI training can disable the feature by accessing the “Search History Settings” in their Google account and unchecking the “Save Media” option. However, this only affects new media uploads; previously saved content may continue to be used for technology improvements and, if already incorporated into AI training, may remain stored for up to four years even after the original activity is deleted.