MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 15 (San Francisco News Online) — Google is rolling out a new Search setting called Search Services History that can store more than typed queries. When a person is signed in to a Google Account, the setting can let Google save activity from Search tools such as Google Lens images, voice search recordings, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio and uploaded files, according to Google’s documentation.
Google says the saved material may be used to develop and improve its services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures. That is why the change matters: it gives Google a clearer path to keep some search-related media for product improvement, not just for a user’s own history.
What does Search Services History do?
Search Services History is a separate account control. Google’s guidance says it controls whether Search-related activity is saved when a user is signed in. It also includes a Save Media sub-setting. When Save Media is on, Google can save media from Search interactions.
Google says the change is not the same as Web & App Activity, the older setting many users have checked for account tracking. Because the rollout is gradual, some users may not see the new control yet. Google says Web & App Activity may still control some Search history until Search Services History reaches an account.
What kinds of data can it cover?
Google’s documentation and notifications say the setting can reach a wide range of Search tools and services. That can include Lens images, voice searches, Search Live recordings and transcripts, Translate speaking-practice audio, file uploads and some other activity information. Google’s notice also says the change applies across services such as Search, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, News, AI Mode and Ask Maps threads that include file uploads.
What happens to media already saved?
Turning off Save Media does not automatically delete what Google already kept. Google says previously saved media can remain in the account until it is deleted. 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.
How do you turn it off?
Google says users can go to Google My Activity and open Search Services History. From there, they can turn off Search Services History or uncheck Save Media. Google says the control can be turned on or off at any time.
What matters most
For people who use Google Search with images, voice or file uploads, the new setting is important because it decides whether Google can keep that material and use it to improve its services. If the control has reached an account, the key step is to check Search Services History and Save Media separately, since turning one off may not erase what was already saved.
