Google's New Setting Automatically Saves Search Data for AI Training – How to Opt Out
Google is rolling out a new privacy setting that automatically saves users' search history and uploaded media to train AI models. Users can opt out, but data already used is retained for up to four years.
What's Changing?
Google is gradually introducing a feature called "Search Services History" that automatically stores user data from Search, including images from reverse searches, audio from Google Translate, voice searches, and other uploaded content. This data is used to improve Google's AI models. The feature is enabled by default unless users had previously disabled Web & App Activity and Search Personalization.
How to Opt Out?
To avoid data usage, visit Google's My Activity page, select the "Search Services History" tab, and turn off the setting. Additionally, uncheck the "Save media" box to prevent file uploads from being stored. However, if the data has already been used for AI training, it is kept for up to four years even if the original activity is deleted.
Criticism
Privacy advocates argue that this system places the burden of data protection on users rather than the company. An Electronic Frontier Foundation representative emphasized that an "opt-in" approach would be the minimum requirement. Meanwhile, a Consumer Federation of America expert warns that such changes contribute to user fatigue and a sense of powerlessness, as users must individually opt out of data training for every service.
A Google spokesperson stated that the new settings help deliver more relevant results and allow users to revisit past searches. He did not answer why the feature is enabled by default.
