MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search privacy setting called Search Services History, a control that decides whether Google saves activity from its search tools when a user is signed in to a Google Account.
The change matters because the setting reaches beyond typed searches. Google’s documentation says Search Services History can include Google Lens images, voice searches, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, uploaded files and some activity information.
What does the new Save Media setting do?
Under Search Services History, Google has added a Save Media option. When that setting is on, Google says it 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.
That means the setting is about more than whether Google remembers a search query. It can also affect whether media submitted through search tools is stored and later used in product improvement, including AI training.
Is this the same as Web & App Activity?
Google’s notices describe Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations as separate controls. Some users may still see older controls while the new setting finishes rolling out, and Google says the change is being introduced gradually.
Google’s guidance also says that if the new setting has not reached an account yet, Web & App Activity may still control some Search services history until the rollout does.
The company has also said the policy does not cover Google Photos, according to its documentation as reported by coverage of the change. In other words, the setting is aimed at media that people actively send through Search and AI tools, not photos sitting in a personal photo library.
How can users turn it off?
Google says users can go to My Activity at myactivity.google.com, open Search Services History and turn it off. If Save Media appears as a separate option, users can uncheck that setting as well.
Google says turning off Save Media does not automatically delete media that was already saved. Google’s documentation also 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.
What is Google saying this is for?
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 practical takeaway is simple: Google Search is gaining a broader memory for images, audio and files shared through its search tools, but the company says the controls can be changed in account settings. Because the rollout is gradual, not every account may see the new option yet.
