Google Now Uses Uploaded Media for AI Training, Users Can Opt Out
Quick Look
- Google has updated its AI training data policy to include media uploaded to search tools like Google Lens and Translate.
- Users are automatically opted in but can opt out via specific settings on the Search Services History and Personalization pages.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Google has updated its AI training data policy to include media uploaded to its search tools, such as images, files, audio, and video recordings.
Google is at it again. The company recently, and quietly, introduced a change to how it hoovers up our data to train its AI platforms. It can now scoop up media you upload to its various search tools for training purposes, according to a report by TechCrunch.
This includes "images, files and audio and video recordings." That's pretty much everything. What does this mean exactly? If you upload a photo to Google Lens to search for something visually, the company can take it. The same goes for the audio accompanying any Google voice search and anything uploaded to Google Translate. This applies to all Search-related products, so stuff like your personal Google Photos are safe for now.
Every user is automatically opted in, as the gaping maw of generative AI needs data to feed on and it's running out. There is, however, a solution for those who don't like random mega-corporations poring through their images and videos.
You can opt out of this by changing some particular settings. First, head to the dedicated Search Services History page and uncheck the "Save Media" box. Next, head to this Search Services Personalization page and make sure that it's not saving anything. That should do it. As an aside, you can turn off AI overview results by popping in "-AI" before a query.
Open Questions
- Will Google face regulatory scrutiny?
- How widely will users opt out?
