Google will begin storing images, audio, videos, and files used in its search services. This measure is part of a new setting called Search Services History.
According to the company, this data can be used to develop and improve its services, including artificial intelligence models. Users will have the option to disable the feature if they do not wish for that information to be stored.
Google will begin storing images, audio, videos, and files used in its search services
What information will Google store with Search Services History
The new tool will allow Google to retain different types of content used in its search platforms. Among the data that may be recorded are:
Images used in Google Lens.
Recordings made with Search Live.
Voice searches.
Sentences spoken in Google Translate.
Files, audio, and videos used during searches.
The company explained that users will be able to disable the option from the new Search Services History setting and also through the adjustment called Save Media.
How Google will use the stored data
According to the information published by Google, the stored history will be used to “provide, develop, and improve” its services.
What will Google use the stored data for
Among those uses is the training of its AI systems, as well as the generation of personalized recommendations and advertising tailored to each user.
These features will be linked to a new setting called Personalized Recommendations, which will operate independently.
Among those uses is the training of its AI systems
What changes regarding Web & App Activity
Until now, much of these interactions were part of the Web & App Activity tool, which grouped the activity history within the Google ecosystem.
With the arrival of Search Services History, the company will separate the settings related to searches, audio recordings, and visual searches.
The modification will allow for more specific management of what type of information is stored and how it can be used later.
What changes regarding Web & App Activity
What will happen to those who have already blocked search history
Google clarified that users who have already disabled history saving through Web & App Activity will keep the new function disabled after the transition.
Additionally, the company indicated that current personalization preferences will be respected when the new system begins to be implemented over the coming months.
What will happen to those who have already blocked their search history
When will the new Google system be implemented
The company confirmed that the changes will arrive gradually over the next few months.
During that process, Google will transfer existing settings and offer independent controls to manage the storage of images, recordings, voice searches, and other content used in its services.
