Google is enhancing its data collection methods by incorporating images, voice recordings and various uploaded media to improve its AI and Search functionalities.
Google is preparing to collect even more user data to power its artificial intelligence systems and this time it’s not limited to what you type into Search. The search giant is expanding the type of information it can save from your interactions, including images, voice recordings and other uploaded media. While the company says the feature is designed to improve Search and AI experiences, privacy advocates are once again questioning whether users are being asked to give up more data by default. Keep reading to know what is changing and how you can opt out.
According to updated support documents and information reported by Wired, the US-based tech giant is introducing a new Search Services History setting for Google Accounts. Under the new system, Google may save media from services such as Google Lens, Search Live, Google Translate speaking practice, voice searches and other uploaded content.
Google explains on its support page: “Your saved media includes your images, files, and audio and video recordings from your interactions with Search services. This includes things like Google Lens images, recordings from Search Live or Translate speaking practice, content you upload, and voice searches.”
Many users are now seeing a notification inside their Google Account settings informing them that media from Search interactions will also be stored in their history alongside existing Web & App Activity.
The move comes as AI companies race to gather more diverse datasets. Unlike text alone, images, audio and video help AI models better understand the real world. That makes these uploads increasingly valuable for training future AI systems. Google’s massive ecosystem gives it an advantage over rivals because billions of people already use its products every day.
Google’s AI Training
Google says the stored media used for AI training will be disconnected from users’ Google Accounts. However, according to the company, the data may still be retained for up to four years, even if users later delete the original activity.
Google spokesperson Davis Thompson told Wired: “These new settings help users get more relevant results and revisit their searches—including visual and voice searches—and they can be turned on or off at any time.”
Privacy experts, however, continue to argue that AI companies increasingly enable these kinds of features by default, leaving users responsible for finding and disabling them if they do not want their personal data contributing to AI development.