Google Now Uses Your Data to Train AI by Default: How to Opt Out in India

Google has implemented a significant but understated change to its privacy settings, enabling the company to utilize a wider array of user data, including media files, to enhance its artificial intelligence models. This update means that if users in India upload any media through Google’s search services, it will contribute to AI training unless they actively choose to opt out.

The adjustment was rolled out in June via customer emails and an under-the-radar update to Google’s Search services privacy settings. Google framed this change as offering users greater control over their saved history and personalized recommendations, but it effectively opted users into expanded AI training by default.

Key facts

Feature	Details
Default Setting	Google now uses user data, including media, for AI training by default.
Affected Services	Google Search, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, News, Lens, Search Live.
Data Types	Images, files, audio, video recordings, search history.
Opt-Out	Users must manually adjust settings in “Search Services History” and “Search Services Personalization.”

Expanded Data Collection for AI

The updated policy extends beyond Google Search itself, encompassing various other Google services. For instance, images used with Google Lens for visual searches may now be saved for AI training. Similarly, audio recordings from voice searches via the Search Live feature or Google Translate practice sessions could also be retained for this purpose. Google explicitly states in its customer communications and help documentation that “your saved media is also used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures.”

This move aligns with a broader industry trend where major tech companies are increasingly collecting user-generated data to fuel their AI development. Instead of relying solely on publicly scraped web content, companies like Google and Meta are leveraging data uploaded or created directly by users interacting with their services. Google’s documentation confirms that while some data storage is temporary and functional, saved media can be specifically retained for AI training.

How to Opt Out of AI Training Data Collection

For users in India concerned about their data being used for AI training, Google provides options to adjust these settings. The primary controls are located within the “Search Services History” and “Search Services Personalization” pages.

Within the “Search Services History” page, users can specifically uncheck the “Save Media” box. This can be done independently of the “Search Services History” box, or both can be unchecked. Additionally, users can configure automatic deletion of saved data, choosing intervals of three months, 18 months, or 36 months.

It is important to note that previously, Google’s “Web & App Activity” settings allowed users to manage historical search data. This has now been bifurcated, with the new “Search data” setting being on by default and operating separately. Therefore, adjusting Web & App Activity settings alone will no longer prevent your data from being used for AI training through the new Search data setting. Users must explicitly navigate to the new settings to manage their preferences.

Impact on Indian Users

For Indian users, this change means a proactive approach to managing their privacy settings is necessary. Given the widespread use of Google services for daily tasks, from navigation with Maps to language translation and online shopping, the volume of potential data being fed into AI models is substantial. Understanding these new defaults and taking steps to opt out ensures greater control over personal data contributions to Google’s AI development initiatives. This is particularly relevant as India’s digital economy expands and data privacy concerns become more central.

Source: TechCrunch AI – https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/06/if-you-use-google-youre-training-its-ai-heres-how-to-opt-out/