Google is rolling out a new account feature in 2026 called Search Services History that stores media uploaded during Search interactions — including images, audio, and video — and uses that data to train its AI models. The feature was already enabled by default for at least some users when the setting went live.
The update affects a wide range of Search activity. According to Google’s own description of the feature, saved media includes “images, files, and audio and video recordings from your interactions with Search services,” covering Google Lens images, recordings from Search Live or Translate speaking practice, uploaded content, and voice searches.
Users who previously disabled Web & App Activity and Search Personalization would find the setting already off. For everyone else, the feature — including a checkbox to save uploaded media for AI training — was checked by default. Google spokesperson Davis Thompson described the settings as helping “users get more relevant results and revisit their searches — including visual and voice searches” and confirmed they “can be turned on or off at any time.” Thompson did not address why the feature is enabled by default.
Acting sooner rather than later matters. Google states that once saved media is used for AI model training, it is disconnected from the user’s account and retained for up to four years — even if the original activity is deleted.
To opt out, users can visit Google’s My Activity page and select the Search Services History tab. From there, the entire setting can be disabled and existing activity deleted. Critically, users must also uncheck the box labeled “Save media” to prevent uploaded images and other files from being used for AI training.
The global rollout is expected to continue over the next few months.
Source: WIRED