Posted on 07/15/2026 4:41:40 PM PDT by george76
A new Google Search setting can save Lens images, voice searches and uploaded files. Here’s how to turn it off
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There are few emails that make your stomach drop faster than one about "new privacy settings." That usually means a company has moved another data switch, renamed a control or tucked a new choice inside an account menu you rarely visit. Google is now rolling out one of those changes for Search services. The setting is called Search Services History. It controls whether Google saves your activity from Search services when you are signed into your Google Account.
That may sound routine at first. Most of us already know Google can save search history. However, this update goes beyond the old idea of typed searches in a box. Google says Search Services History can include images you upload, files you ask about, voice searches, Search Live recordings, Translate speaking practice audio and other interactions with Search services.
The part that should make you pause is the Save Media setting. When it is turned on, Google can save media from your Search services interactions. That saved media may be used to improve Google’s AI models and technologies. In other words, the random photo you searched with Google Lens or the voice recording you used in a Search feature may help improve Google’s AI.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
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Anybody who ever used Google Voice for free VOIP was training it for speech recognition.
Google says Search Services History may include your searches, results you view, AI Mode responses, voice search recordings, Search Live transcripts, Google Lens images, uploaded files and some information tied to your activity..
turning off Save Media does not automatically wipe everything that was already saved .. deleting the original activity may not pull it back.
Google is an advertising sales company.
.
ping
Never used that, and when I’ve called customer service sites like Spectrum, and others that claim they offer voice recognition for account identification, I’ve refused. I’ve never used Siri on my Apple devices or Alexa on my Kindles. I’ve made sure to turn those apps off whenever I’ve purchased a replacement device.
I like having AI train on my stuff. Eventually it will know what the hell I’m asking it for.
I use Bing search, google search almost never. Googs major hook into my data is you tube.
I also do AI searches via Grok and chatGPT. Never via goog Gemini AI.
Google sells its data to third parties. Government agencies are one such third party and not just our government.
I used Google Voice for free long distance on a VOIP phone I bought for ten bucks. Google Voice came as one of the features of a gmail account.
My supposition was that they weren’t offering it for free out of the kindess of their hearts.
No, they may not.
As I t0ld my cousin last night...
Eventually AI will individualize commercials with your
own face and body and all commercials will feature YOU happily using the product...
Eventually AI will individualize commercials with your
own face and body and all commercials will feature YOU happily using the product...
Copyright Tet68.July 2026
Glad it worked out for you. I have an unlimited family plan with Verizon. Been with them for over 20 years. The only time I have extra charges is when my oldest son goes overseas, and he uses their Unlimited Travel Pass. The account is charged $12 a day, but only on the days you make or receive a call, send texts or use data on your device. Then he just turns it off once he’s back home.
I use Tracfone prepaid. Get by for less than $100 per year per phone for our two phones. Used Google voice when we needed to call long distance.
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