Google Search Now Uses Your Uploads for AI Training by Default

Google is rolling out a significant change to how it handles user data from Search services, automatically enabling a new feature that saves uploaded media for AI model training. The company has begun notifying users globally about Search Services History, a setting that was turned on by default for many accounts.

The feature captures far more than traditional search queries. According to Google's own description, saved media includes images from Google Lens searches, audio recordings from Search Live and Google Translate speaking practice, uploaded files, and voice searches. This data is retained in user accounts and used to train the company's artificial intelligence systems.

How to disable the feature

Users can opt out by visiting Google's My Activity page and selecting the Search Services History tab. The critical step is unchecking the box labeled "Save media" to prevent image uploads from being used for AI training. Users can also disable the entire setting and delete existing activity from this page.

Timing matters. Once media data enters Google's training pipeline, it becomes disconnected from user accounts and may be retained for up to four years, even after the original activity is deleted. Google confirmed this retention period in a pop-up message displayed when users disable the feature.

Why it matters

This change reflects a broader industry pattern where companies default to using customer data for AI development rather than asking permission first. Google's massive user base across Gmail, Maps, YouTube, and other services gives it unique access to diverse data types that competitors lack. For business leaders evaluating AI vendors, understanding these data collection practices is essential for compliance and vendor risk management.

The opt-out burden

Privacy advocates argue that requiring users to opt out rather than opt in represents a minimal standard of consent. "I think 'opt in' is really asking the bare minimum of these companies," said Thorin Klosowski, a senior security and privacy activist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "Asking their users to consciously choose to enable these features is the least they can do."

Ben Winters, director of AI and privacy at the Consumer Federation of America, noted that constant opt-out requirements contribute to user fatigue. "There's an increasing feeling of powerlessness and hopelessness about even trying to protect your data, because every little thing is going to be squeezed out of you," he said.

Google spokesperson Davis Thompson stated that the new settings help users get more relevant results and revisit their searches, and that they can be turned on or off at any time. The company did not respond to questions about why the feature is enabled by default.

These details were first reported by WIRED.