Google Expands AI Training Data Collection

Google has introduced a change to its privacy settings that allows the company to collect and use media uploaded to its search tools for training AI platforms. The change affects various search services, including Google Lens, Translate, and Maps, unless users opt out.

According to a report by TechCrunch, the change was introduced via an under-the-radar update to Google's Search services privacy settings in June. The update introduced two new settings, Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations, allowing users to configure how their activity is used to personalize their Google experience and how long their web and app activity is saved.

Users can opt out of data collection by changing settings on the Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations pages. To do so, users must uncheck the 'Save Media' box on the Search Services History page and ensure that no data is being saved on the Personalized Recommendations page.

The change has sparked concerns among users, who are automatically opted in to the data collection. While Google claims that the data collection is necessary for improving its AI models, some users are worried about the potential implications of having their data collected and used without their explicit consent.

As Google continues to push the boundaries of AI innovation, it is essential for users to be aware of the changes to its privacy settings and to take steps to protect their data. By opting out of data collection, users can ensure that their media is not being used to train AI models without their consent.