MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search setting called Search Services History that can save more than typed search queries for people signed into a Google Account.
According to Google’s settings pages and notifications, the control can cover activity from Search-related tools such as Google Lens images, voice searches, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, uploaded files and other related activity information.
At the center of the change is a second switch called Save Media. When that option is on, Google says it can save media from Search-related interactions and use it to “develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures.”
What is Search Services History?
Search Services History is a new privacy control tied to Google Search. Google says it determines whether the company saves activity from Search services when a user is signed in.
That matters because the setting appears to reach beyond simple text searches. Google’s own documentation says the history can include:
- Google Lens images
- voice search recordings
- Search Live recordings and transcripts
- Translate speaking-practice audio
- uploaded files
- some other activity information
What does the Save Media option do?
Save Media is a separate option inside Search Services History. When it is turned on, Google can save media from those Search interactions.
Google says that saved media may be used to improve its services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures. In other words, the setting is not just about saving a record of searches. It can also affect whether the images, audio and files attached to those searches are kept for later use.
Does this include Google Photos?
Google’s documentation, as described in coverage from TechTimes, says Google Photos is not part of this setting. The control is aimed at media actively sent through Search and AI tools, not personal pictures stored in a photo library.
Is this the same as Web & App Activity?
Google says the new Search Services History control is separate from Web & App Activity. Google’s updated help pages also describe Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations as separate controls.
The rollout is still happening, though, so the exact setup can vary by account. Google says some users may not see the new setting yet. In those cases, Google’s guidance says Web & App Activity may still control some Search services history until the new setting reaches the account.
How can someone turn it off?
Google says users can go to My Activity, find Search Services History and turn it off. Users can also uncheck Save Media.
That does not automatically erase anything already saved. Google says turning off Save Media does not delete previously saved media, and that older items may remain associated with the account unless they are deleted separately.
Google also says media already selected for AI training is no longer tied to the account and may be kept for up to four years.
Why is Google making this change?
Google spokesperson Davis Thompson said the new settings are meant to help users 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: if Search Services History is on, Google may keep more of the media shared through Search tools than many people expect. If that is not wanted, the setting can be checked in My Activity and switched off there.
