Google is rolling out a new default setting that allows the company to store images, audio, video, and other media generated through user interactions across its Search services, according to company updates and user emails.
“We’re currently updating settings for Google Search services, which include Search, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News. These are rolling out gradually over the next few months,” the notice says.
Under the new setting, Google said it may retain content such as images, files, audio, and video used during searches. The company said the data can be used to “provide, develop, and improve its services,” including the training and development of artificial intelligence systems.
The change covers inputs made through tools such as Google Lens, Search Live, voice search, and spoken queries in Google Translate. Google added that stored information may also support personalization features, while ads and recommendations could be affected if users enable a separate “Personalized Recommendations” option.
Users will be able to opt out through the “Search Services History” setting and disable a “Save Media” option to prevent certain types of data from being stored, according to reports.
The new system is separate from Google’s existing Web & App Activity controls, which previously governed parts of search tracking and media storage.
Google said users who already disabled Web & App Activity will have Search Services History turned off by default once the rollout begins. Existing privacy and personalization preferences will also carry over as the changes are introduced over the coming months.
