Google's Search Now Stores Your Uploads for AI Training—Here's How to Opt Out
Google has introduced a change to its Search history feature that affects how user data is handled. The update now stores media uploads made during Search interactions—including images used in reverse image searches—as part of the data collected for training Google's AI models.
What Changed
Previously, Google's Search history tracked queries and visited pages. The new update expands this to include files uploaded during search activities, which are then used to improve Google's AI systems.
How to Opt Out
Users who prefer not to have their uploads stored for AI training can disable this feature through their Google account settings. The process involves navigating to activity controls and adjusting the Web & App Activity settings to prevent media uploads from being saved.
Why This Matters
This change reflects a broader trend where AI companies increasingly rely on user data to train and improve their models. For privacy-conscious users, understanding these default settings is important for maintaining control over personal data.