MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search privacy control called Search Services History, a setting that changes what Google can save from a person’s activity in Search when they are signed in to a Google Account.
What the new setting covers
According to Google’s settings and notifications, Search Services History can include more than typed searches. It may save Google Lens images, voice search recordings, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, uploaded files and some other activity information.
That matters because the setting is not just about keeping a record of search terms. It can also capture media and audio sent through Google Search tools.
Google also has a separate “Save Media” control under Search Services History. When that option is on, Google can save media from Search interactions. Google says saved media may be “used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures.”
How this differs from older controls
Google describes Search Services History as separate from Web & App Activity. That means search-related history is being managed through a more specific control instead of only through a broader activity setting.
Google’s rollout guidance says the change is arriving gradually, so some users may not see the new setting yet. Until it reaches an account, Google says older activity controls may still apply to some Search services history.
What it does not cover
Google’s documentation says Google Photos is not part of this setting. The control is aimed at media that people actively send through Search and related AI tools, not every personal image stored in a photo library.
Google also says media that has already been selected for AI training is no longer connected to the account and is kept for up to four years.
How to turn it off
Google says users can manage the setting at myactivity.google.com.
To limit collection:
- open Search Services History
- turn it off, or
- uncheck Save Media if that option appears
Google says turning off Save Media does not automatically delete media already saved. People who want that material removed may need to delete the saved history from their account.
Why Google says it is doing this
Google spokesperson Davis Thompson said the new settings are meant to help people get more relevant results and revisit their searches, and that they “can be turned on or off at any time.”
For users, the main takeaway is simple: if a search, Lens scan, voice command or uploaded file goes through Google’s Search tools, it may now be stored in a separate history bucket — and, if Save Media is on, some of that material may help train Google’s AI systems.
