Google has expanded the type of user data it can use to train its artificial intelligence models, with a recent update allowing the company to store uploaded media—including images, files, audio recordings, and videos—from several of its Search services unless users opt out.
The change follows an update to Google’s Search Services privacy settings introduced in June, which added new controls for Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations.
Under the revised settings, media uploaded through Google’s Search-related services may be saved and used to develop and improve the company’s AI models and other technologies.
The update extends beyond Google Search to several services, including Google Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Google Translate, and Google News.
For example, images uploaded through Google Lens searches, voice recordings created using Search Live, and audio captured while practising pronunciation in Google Translate may be retained under the new settings.
Google said in a notice to users that saved media, like Search Services History, may be used “to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures.”
The company also states in its support documentation that saved history may be used to develop and improve its services, including training generative AI models, while helping protect users and the public.
The update reflects a broader trend among technology companies to use user-generated content to improve AI systems. Companies including Meta have also expanded the use of customer-generated media for AI development.
Users can manage the feature through Google’s Search Services History settings, where they can disable media storage independently of search history or turn off both options entirely. Google also allows users to automatically delete saved activity after three, 18 or 36 months.
