MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search setting called Search Services History, and it changes what the company can save from some search-related tools when a user is signed in to a Google Account.
Google’s own notices say the setting can cover more than typed searches. Depending on the service used, it may include Google Lens images, voice searches, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, uploaded files, and some related activity information.
What is Search Services History?
Search Services History is a privacy control for activity tied to Google Search services. Google says it controls whether that activity is saved to an account.
The company’s documentation, as described in recent coverage, also says the setting is separate from other controls such as Personalized Recommendations and, in some accounts, Web & App Activity. That matters because Google appears to be splitting what used to be more connected settings into separate pieces.
What is Save Media?
Under Search Services History, Google has added a Save Media sub-setting. When it is turned on, Google can save media from Search services interactions.
Google’s documentation says saved media may be used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures. In other words, the company says some photos, voice clips, audio, files, or other uploaded media can help train or improve its systems.
Which Google products are covered?
Coverage of Google’s notices says the change can apply across several Google services, including Search, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, News, AI Mode, and Ask Maps threads that include file uploads.
One report says Google Photos is not included in this setting. The focus is on media people actively send through search and AI tools, not personal images sitting in a photo library.
Is the change already visible to everyone?
No. Google says the rollout is gradual, so some users may not see the new setting yet.
Google’s guidance, as reported, says that if the new control has not reached an account, Web & App Activity may still control some Search services history until the rollout arrives for that user.
How can someone turn it off?
Google’s instructions point users to My Activity at myactivity.google.com. From there, users can turn off Search Services History or uncheck Save Media.
Google also says turning off Save Media does not automatically delete media that was already saved. Previously saved items may remain in the account unless they are deleted.
What happens to media already used for AI training?
Google’s documentation says media that has already been selected for AI training is no longer connected to the account and may be kept for up to four years.
That detail is important because it means switching the setting off may stop new items from being saved, but it does not necessarily undo past processing.
Why is Google making this change?
A Google spokesperson identified in one report, Davis Thompson, said the new settings are meant to help users get more relevant results and revisit their searches, and that the controls can be turned on or off at any time.
The broader privacy question is whether people realize how much non-text activity can be attached to Search. Google’s notices show that searches are no longer just typed words. They can also include images, voice, audio, and uploaded files.
For users, the main takeaway is simple: if an account is signed in to Google, Search activity may now be saved in a new place, and it may be used to improve Google’s AI systems unless the relevant controls are turned off.
