Google trains AI on user uploads by default, opt-out buried
What it really says
In June 2026, Google introduced a new privacy setting called 'Search Services History' that is enabled by default. This setting allows Google to use images, files, voice recordings, and video that users upload through Google services to train its AI models. The change affects not just Google Search but also Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News. Users were notified via email, but most overlooked or did not understand the notification. The previous 'Web & App Activity' setting does not cover the new media types. Users must actively navigate to myactivity.google.com, find the 'Search Services History' tab, and disable the 'Save Media' option. Those who do not yet see the setting can disable voice and audio activity options and visual search history under 'Web & App Activity'. The change affects all Google users worldwide and is being rolled out gradually.
Our assessment
Google has been collecting photos, voice recordings, and files from its search services for AI training since June 2026, with the setting enabled by default. This is a classic opt-out pattern: data usage proceeds until the user actively objects. For EU citizens, this is particularly problematic because GDPR requires informed, freely given consent as the legal basis for processing personal data. A hidden toggle in nested account settings hardly meets this standard. The good news: once aware, users can disable the setting in a few clicks. EU data protection authorities have fined Google for similar practices in the past. It is likely that this new setting will also attract regulatory attention. Until then: anyone who does not want their uploads training Google's AI models should act now.
Relevance for Germany
This change is relevant for German users for several reasons. First, Germany has an approximately 90 percent market share for Google in internet search, meaning nearly every German internet user is potentially affected. Second, the German Federal Commissioner for Data Protection (BfDI) and state data protection authorities have repeatedly emphasized that opt-out models for AI training data processing are incompatible with GDPR. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which serves as the lead supervisory authority for Google in the EU, is under pressure to act. Third, the EU AI Act, whose enforcement begins in August 2026, places additional transparency requirements on AI training data. Fourth, practically speaking, every German Google user should now take action: check the 'Search Services History' setting at myactivity.google.com and disable 'Save Media' if desired.
Fact check
The introduction of the 'Search Services History' setting in June 2026 is consistently reported by TechCrunch, Euronews, Computerworld, Tom's Guide, and numerous other publications. The affected data types (images, files, voice and video recordings) and affected services (Search, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, News) are consistently named across all sources. The opt-out instructions via myactivity.google.com and disabling 'Save Media' are consistently described by TechCrunch, Computerworld, and Euronews. GDPR concerns are specifically addressed by Euronews. The email notification to users in June is confirmed by TechCrunch and Computerworld.
Source
- • https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/06/if-you-use-google-youre-training-its-ai-heres-how-to-opt-out/
- • https://www.euronews.com/next/2026/07/07/is-google-using-your-searches-to-train-its-ai-heres-how-to-opt-out
- • https://www.computerworld.com/article/4183788/google-ai-training-opt-out.html
- • https://www.techtimes.com/articles/319924/20260708/google-turned-ai-training-your-photos-voice-searches-without-asking.htm