MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search privacy control called Search Services History that lets the company save more of what people do in Search when they are signed in to a Google Account.
What the setting covers
According to Google’s documentation, Search Services History can include more than typed searches. It may also cover Google Lens images, voice search recordings, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, uploaded files and some activity information.
Google also says there is a separate Save Media control under Search Services History. When that option is on, Google can save media from Search-related interactions.
The company says saved media may be used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures. A Google spokesperson, Davis Thompson, said the settings are meant to help users get more relevant results and revisit searches, and can be turned on or off at any time.
How it differs from older Search controls
Google says Search Services History is being split out from Web & App Activity. In the new setup, Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations are managed separately.
Google also says the rollout is gradual, so some users may not see the new control yet. For accounts that have not received it, Google says existing Web & App Activity settings may still control some Search services history until the rollout reaches them.
How to turn it off
Google says users can review the setting in Google My Activity and turn off Search Services History or uncheck Save Media.
That matters because turning off Save Media does not automatically delete media that was already saved. Google’s documentation says previously saved media may still be used unless it is deleted from the account.
Google 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.
Why the change matters
The update shows how much Search has expanded beyond text queries. Google’s tools now include images, audio, file uploads and other media-heavy features, so the privacy question is no longer just about what people type.
For users who do not want Search activity saved for longer-term use, the main steps are straightforward: check whether Search Services History has reached the account, review Save Media, and turn off either control if needed.
