Google search settings now allow AI training on uploaded media

In short: Google changed its Search privacy settings so media you upload through Search-related services can be saved and used to improve its AI, unless you opt out.

What happened

Google recently updated privacy settings for its Search services. According to an email the company sent to customers in June, Google may now store more of your data, including “images, files, and audio and video recordings,” to help develop and improve its AI models.

This applies to more than the main Google Search box. It can also include other Google search services like Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News.

For example, if you use Google Lens to search with a photo, that image may be saved. If you use voice-based features like Search Live in the Google app, those audio recordings may also be saved. Google Translate voice practice can be saved too.

Google says saved media and history can be used to “develop and improve” services, including “training generative AI models” (AI that learns patterns from lots of examples, like a student studying many practice tests). Google also notes some reviews may involve human reviewers.

Why it matters

If you use these Google tools, you may be sharing more than you expect. The setting is on by default, so doing nothing can mean your uploaded photos or voice clips help train Google’s AI.

Google says you can change this in settings. On the Search Services History page, you can turn off “Save Media,” and you can also choose auto-delete options like 3, 18, or 36 months. Google also separated Search-related history from the older “Web & App Activity” setting, so changing one does not automatically change the other.

Source: TechCrunch AI