Google Uses Your Data to Train AI: Here’s How to Opt Out

Google has made a behind-the-scenes change to its privacy settings, now allowing the company to store more user data—including images, audio recordings, and video—to improve its artificial intelligence models. The update, announced via email to customers in June, effectively opts users into expanded AI training under the guise of giving more control over saved history and personalized recommendations.

The change introduces two new settings: Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations. These apply beyond standard Google Search to other services such as Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News. For instance, using Google Lens to snap a photo for visual search may save that image for AI training. Similarly, voice searches via the Search Live feature or Google Translate’s speaking practice can result in audio recordings being retained.

Google confirms this use directly, stating in its email: "Like your Search Services History, your saved media is also used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures." Its help documentation adds that history is used "to provide, develop, and improve its services (such as training generative AI models) and to protect Google, its users, and the public with the help of human reviewers."

To opt out, users can visit the Search Services History page and uncheck the "Save Media" box—separately from the Search Services History box—or disable both. Users can also set automatic deletion after 3, 18, or 36 months. Importantly, these new settings are separate from Web & App Activity, meaning changes to that section no longer affect Google Search data retention.

This move reflects a broader industry trend of gathering user data to improve AI. Meta, for example, trains its AI on user images and media from its platforms. As more companies adopt this approach, users should review their privacy settings to control how their data is used.