Google to Retain Lens Images, Voice Searches, and Translate Audio for AI Training
Google is consolidating how it stores user interactions across several of its search tools, and has updated its privacy settings to enable saving of more data types than before.
Starting now, the company will retain images searched using Google Lens, recordings from its real-time Search Live feature, voice searches, and phrases spoken into Translate. All of this data falls under a new "Search Services History" setting, according to an email sent to users and an update to Google's support documentation.
How to Opt Out
Users who prefer not to have their interactions saved can disable the Search Services History setting entirely, or toggle off the "Save Media" option within it. Disabling these settings means Google will not retain copies of Lens images, audio from Search Live, or Translate phrases for AI training purposes.
What This Means for Privacy
The change brings together multiple data types under a single umbrella, making it easier for users to manage their privacy preferences in one place. However, it also means that previously fragmented data streams—voice queries, image searches, and translation inputs—are now explicitly flagged as usable for improving Google’s AI systems. Users should review their account settings to ensure their preferences align with these updates.