• 2 min read
Google now trains AI on more Search data by default
Google expanded Search data collection to include uploaded media for AI training unless users opt out. Images, audio, video, and files can be saved.
Image: ZDNET
Google has expanded how it uses data from Search: images, files, audio, and video tied to your interactions can now be saved and used to develop and improve its AI models and technologies unless you opt out.
According to ZDNET, Google quietly updated its Search privacy settings last month and notified users by email, automatically opting customers into the broader AI training setup. In Google’s documentation, the company says users can choose whether media is saved to Search Services History and that saved media may be used to improve Google services as well as train AI.
That covers not just media returned in search results, but also media users upload for AI-powered search features. ZDNET says this can include Circle to Search screenshots, photos, and voice searches through tools such as Search Live or Google Translate.
The opt-out process centers on two settings pages in the Google app:
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- Search Services History
- Search Services Personalization
On Search Services History, users should turn the service off and also uncheck Save media. On Search Services Personalization, users should turn that service off as well. If those controls are not available on a device, ZDNET recommends going to myactivity.google.com, opening Search Services History, and unchecking Save media there.
Users who leave the features enabled can set auto-delete windows for retained data at 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months. ZDNET also recommends checking myadcenter.google.com and disabling Personalized Ads for additional privacy control.
The tradeoff is the familiar one: more personalization and potentially more tailored ads versus less privacy. Google’s updated policy shifts that balance further toward data collection by default.
Security Editor
Sophia unpacks the invisible wars happening on our networks. Covering cybersecurity, privacy legislation, and cryptography, she exposes how our data is weaponized and defended. Before joining for(geeks), she spent years as a penetration tester. She's the reason the rest of the team uses physical security keys.
via ZDNET
