MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search setting that gives the company more control over what it stores from Search-related activity when a user is signed into a Google Account.
The setting is called Search Services History. Google’s own notices say it can save more than typed queries. Depending on the service, it may include Google Lens images, voice search recordings, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, uploaded files and some other activity information.
What changed?
Google’s documentation says Search Services History is a separate control from Web & App Activity. The company’s notices also say there is a separate Save Media option under Search Services History. When Save Media is on, Google can save media from Search interactions.
That matters because Google says saved media may be used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures.
In plain terms, a photo sent to Lens, a voice query spoken into Search or a file uploaded through a Google search feature may be saved with your account unless the relevant controls are turned off.
Why is Google doing this?
Google spokesperson Davis Thompson said the new settings help users get more relevant results and revisit their searches, and that they can be turned on or off at any time.
Google’s notices also say that media already selected for AI training is no longer connected to the account and may be kept for up to four years.
How do you turn it off?
Google says users can manage the setting through My Activity at myactivity.google.com. From there, users can find Search Services History and switch it off. If the Save Media option appears separately, users can uncheck it as well.
Google says the rollout is gradual, so some accounts may not see the new control right away. Until the new setting reaches an account, Google says Web & App Activity may still control some Search services history.
Does turning it off delete older saved media?
Not automatically. Google’s documentation says turning off Save Media does not erase media already saved. Google also says users may need to delete previously saved media from the account if they want it removed.
For people who use Lens, voice search or file uploads in Google Search, the new control is mostly about deciding whether those interactions stay attached to the account and can be used later to improve Google’s services, including AI systems.
