MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search privacy control called Search Services History that can save more than typed searches. According to Google’s settings and notifications, the feature can record activity from Search services when a user is signed into a Google Account, including Google Lens images, voice searches, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, uploaded files and other activity information.
The company says a separate sub-setting called Save Media controls whether media from those search interactions is stored. Google’s documentation says saved media may be used “to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures.”
What is Search Services History?
Search Services History is a new setting tied to Google Search activity. Google says it is separate from Web & App Activity, which has long been one of the main privacy controls for account activity. Google’s updated guidance says Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations are now managed separately.
In practice, that means Google is splitting some search-related controls into smaller pieces. If Search Services History is on, Google may keep a record of certain interactions with Search tools, not just text typed into a search box.
What kinds of data can it save?
Google’s documentation, as reflected in its account settings and user notices, says the setting may cover:
- Google Lens images
- voice search recordings
- Search Live recordings and transcripts
- Translate speaking-practice audio
- uploaded files
- some other search activity information
One report based on Google’s notice says the change extends across several Google services, including Search, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, News, AI Mode and Ask Maps threads that include file uploads. Google’s documentation also says Google Photos is not part of this setting, with the policy focused on media actively submitted through search and AI tools rather than photos stored in a personal library.
How does this connect to AI training?
Google says media saved through the new control may be used to improve its AI models and related technologies. In some cases, Google’s documentation says media already selected for AI training is no longer connected to the account and may be kept for up to four years.
That does not mean every upload is automatically used for training, but it does mean the company is giving itself permission to store some Search-related media and use it to improve products if the user leaves the setting on.
Has the setting reached everyone yet?
No. Google’s rollout is gradual, and users may not see the new control right away. Google’s guidance says some people may still be covered by Web & App Activity for certain Search services until the new setting reaches their account.
That makes the rollout a little confusing: some accounts may already show the new Search Services History controls, while others will still see older settings until the change arrives.
How can users turn it off?
Google says users can manage the setting at myactivity.google.com, also known as Google My Activity. From there, they can turn off Search Services History or uncheck Save Media.
Google also says the controls can be switched on or off at any time.
Does turning it off delete old data?
Not automatically. Google’s documentation says turning off Save Media does not erase media that was already saved. Previously saved media may still remain in the account unless it is deleted manually.
That is an important distinction: turning off future collection is not the same as removing past activity.
What should users pay attention to?
The key question is whether a Google account is signed in and whether Search Services History is enabled. If it is, Google may keep more than plain search terms, including visual searches, voice inputs and uploaded files.
For people who use Google Search as a place to upload documents, scan images or practice spoken language, the new setting matters because those inputs may now be stored under a dedicated Search history control and, if Save Media is on, may be used to improve Google’s AI systems.
For anyone who does not want that, the safest step is to check My Activity, look for Search Services History and Save Media, and turn them off if needed.