If you use Google, you’re training its AI. Here’s how to opt out.

In a significant shift to its privacy policies, Google has updated its settings, allowing the company to collect and store more of your data. This includes various media types like images, files, and audio recordings, all aimed at enhancing its AI models. Essentially, any media you upload through Google’s Search services may be utilized for AI training unless you specifically choose to opt out. This change was introduced quietly through an update to Google’s privacy settings, which was communicated to users via email in June. Instead of a clear opt-in process, Google has effectively opted users into this expanded AI training under the pretense of providing more control over saved history and personalized recommendations. With the introduction of two new settings—Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations—users can adjust how their activity contributes to personalizing their Google experience and manage the duration of their web and app activity storage. These changes extend beyond Google Search, impacting services like Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News. For instance, photos taken using Google Lens or voice searches conducted through the Google app could now be stored for AI training purposes. Google has confirmed this practice, stating in its communications: "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." While some data storage is temporary and essential for service functionality, Google explicitly mentions that saved media can also be retained specifically for AI training. However, users do have some control over this process. By adjusting preferences on the Search Services History and Search Services Personalization pages, you can opt out of saving media or set automatic deletion for saved data after a period of three, eighteen, or thirty-six months. Additionally, beyond saved media, Google uses your search history, location, and other browsing data to tailor your experience, including ad targeting. Previously, users could manage historical search data through the "Web & App Activity" settings, but this has now been split into two distinct options, with the new Search data setting enabled by default. Therefore, changes made to the Web & App Activity settings may not affect your Google Search data anymore, as they are now separate controls.