Google has updated its Search privacy controls, expanding how user activity can be used to improve its AI systems. The new setup may include images, files, audio, and video recordings shared through Google's search-related services unless users change their settings.
What changed
The company introduced two separate controls: Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations. Together, they determine how activity is stored and how it shapes the Google experience. The update goes beyond Search and also covers tools such as Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News.
In practical terms, media created or uploaded through features like Google Lens, voice search, or spoken practice in Translate can be saved and used to refine AI models. Google says this helps improve its services, including safety features and generative AI performance.
How users can manage it
Users can review their preferences in Google's activity settings and choose whether to keep Save Media enabled. They can also set automatic deletion windows of 3, 18, or 36 months. Additional controls are available for Web & App Activity, Timeline, and YouTube History.
The change reflects a wider shift in the tech industry toward using more first-party data to train AI systems. As digital assistants become more personal and responsive, settings like these are likely to play a bigger role in shaping the future of everyday search.
