MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search setting called Search Services History that changes what can be saved from Google Search when a user is signed into a Google Account.
The setting matters because Google’s own notices say it can cover more than typed searches. Depending on the service used, it may include Google Lens images, voice searches, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, uploaded files, and other Search activity information.
What is Search Services History?
Google describes Search Services History as a control for whether it saves activity from Search services tied to a signed-in account.
The company’s documentation says it is being split out from older privacy controls, with Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations handled separately from Web & App Activity. Google also says the rollout is gradual, so some users may not see the new setting yet.
What does the Save Media option do?
Under Search Services History, Google says there is a Save Media sub-setting. When that option is on, Google can save media from Search-related interactions.
Google’s documentation says saved media may be used “to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures.” That means the setting is not just about search logs in the narrow sense; it can also affect the media a person sends through Google’s search tools.
One reported detail from Google’s documentation is that media already selected for AI training is no longer connected to the account and may be kept for up to four years.
Does this include Google Photos?
Google’s documentation, as reported, says Google Photos is not part of this policy. The setting is aimed at media actively sent through Search and related tools, not personal photo libraries stored in Google Photos.
How can users turn it off?
Google says people can manage the setting through their Google My Activity page. From there, users can turn off Search Services History or uncheck Save Media.
Google’s guidance also says turning off Save Media does not automatically delete media that was already saved. Previously saved media may continue to be used unless it is deleted from the account.
What if the setting is not there yet?
Google says the rollout is happening over time, so the new control may not appear in every account right away. In some cases, Google says Web & App Activity may still control parts of Search services history until the new setting reaches an account.
Google spokesperson Davis Thompson said the new settings help users get more relevant results and revisit searches, and that they can be turned on or off at any time.
For users who want the feature off, the key step is to check the Google account privacy settings and look for Search Services History, then review the Save Media option separately.
