Here’s something you might have missed. Google quietly updated its privacy settings, and the change means your uploaded media — images, files, audio, and video recordings — can now be used to train its AI models. You were opted in by default.
The update came via an under-the-radar email to customers in June. Google introduced two new settings: Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations. Tucked inside is a “Save Media” option that stores your uploads for “developing and improving Google services, including AI models and safety measures.”
What does that mean in practice? When you use Google Lens to snap a photo for a visual search, that image may be saved for AI training. When you use Search Live voice input in the Google app, those audio recordings are fair game. Even speaking into Google Translate for pronunciation practice — that audio gets saved too.
Google’s own documentation confirms this: “Your saved media is also used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models.”
This isn’t just Google, either. Meta does the same thing — training AI on user images and even content from Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
The good news? You can opt out. Visit the Search Services History page and uncheck the “Save Media” box. You can also set automatic deletion for your saved data — after 3, 18, or 36 months.
From there, check your other privacy settings on the More Activity page. Web & App Activity, YouTube History, and Location History are all worth reviewing.
Bottom line: if you use Google services, you’re feeding its AI. A few clicks can change that.
