How to Opt Out of Google AI Training: A Complete 2026 Guide

• Introduction: Your Data, Their AI
• What Google Changed in 2026
• How to Opt Out of Google AI Training
• What Happens After You Opt Out
• Google vs. Other Tech Companies: AI Data Policies
• Privacy-Focused Alternatives to Google
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Take Control of Your Data Today

Introduction: Your Data, Their AI

Did you know that every photo you snap with Google Lens, every voice search you make, and every translation you practice is now fair game for training Google's AI? In June 2026, Google quietly rolled out a privacy update that expanded its data collection for AI training — and most users were opted in by default.

I've been tracking these changes since the email landed in my inbox. After testing the settings across multiple Google accounts, I can show you exactly what changed, how to opt out, and what you lose if you do.

What Google Changed in 2026

Google's update split its old "Web & App Activity" into two separate settings: Web & App Activity (still exists) and a new Search Services History setting. The latter is turned on by default and includes a checkbox labeled "Save Media."

When that box is checked, Google can store your images, audio recordings, and video clips from services like Google Search, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News. That data is then used to train generative AI models and improve safety measures. According to Google's help documentation, "saved media is also used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures."

Here's the thing: this goes beyond what most people expect. If you use Google Lens to identify a plant, that image may be saved. If you use voice search to find a restaurant, that audio clip may be stored. Even practicing a foreign language in Google Translate can feed the AI training pipeline.

How to Opt Out of Google AI Training

Opting out is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Search Services History page — visit myactivity.google.com/activitycontrols.
2. Uncheck "Save Media" — this is the critical box. Uncheck it to stop Google from saving your images, audio, and video for AI training.
3. Uncheck "Search Services History" (optional) — if you want to stop all search data from being saved, uncheck this box too.
4. Set auto-delete — choose how long saved data is kept (3, 18, or 36 months). I recommend 3 months.
5. Review other settings — visit the Privacy Checkup page to adjust Web & App Activity, YouTube History, and Timeline settings.

That's it. The whole process takes less than two minutes. But before you do, understand what changes.

What Happens After You Opt Out

When you uncheck "Save Media," Google stops storing new media files for AI training. But existing saved media may remain until you delete it manually or until the auto-delete period expires.

What you lose: personalized recommendations in Google Search, Maps, and other services. Google uses your history to tailor results — without it, you'll get generic, non-personalized responses. For example, your Maps may stop suggesting your favorite coffee shop first.

What you keep: core functionality. You can still search, navigate, use Google Lens, translate phrases, and get results. The only difference is that Google won't use your data to train its AI or to personalize your experience.

In my testing, I noticed a slight drop in relevance for Maps suggestions — but nothing that made the service unusable. For most users, the privacy gain outweighs the personalization loss.

Google vs. Other Tech Companies: AI Data Policies

Google isn't alone in this. Here's how the major players compare:

Apple stands out for its privacy-first approach: it uses on-device processing and asks for explicit consent before collecting data. Google and Microsoft, by contrast, default to collecting data for AI training, leaving users to opt out. Meta offers limited opt-out options for its AI training on public posts.

Privacy-Focused Alternatives to Google

If you want to avoid data collection entirely, consider these alternatives:

• DuckDuckGo — search engine that doesn't track you. No AI training on your data.
• Brave Search — privacy-focused search with its own index. No personal data stored.
• Startpage — uses Google results but strips all tracking and personal data.
• Proton VPN + Search — encrypted search from the makers of ProtonMail.

Each of these tools delivers solid search results without feeding AI training models. I've used DuckDuckGo as my primary search engine for over a year — the results are comparable to Google for most queries, and the peace of mind is real.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will opting out affect my Google services?

Yes, but minimally. You'll lose personalized recommendations in Search, Maps, and other services. Core functionality like searching, navigating, and translating remains unchanged.

Does Google still save my media if I don't use those services?

No. Google only saves media you upload or create while using its services (e.g., Google Lens, voice search, Translate). If you don't use these features, no media is saved.

Can I delete my existing saved media?

Yes. Visit the My Activity page and delete items manually or set an auto-delete schedule. Google will stop using deleted media for AI training.

Is this legal under GDPR or CCPA?

Google's update appears to comply with both regulations by offering opt-out options and transparency. However, the default opt-in approach has drawn criticism from privacy advocates. The update is being reviewed by regulators in the EU and California.

What about Google's AI glasses?

Google's AI glasses (Project Astra) are still in development, but similar data collection policies may apply. Stay tuned for updates as the product launches.

Take Control of Your Data Today

Google's June 2026 update is a reminder that our data is a valuable resource for AI companies. The good news is you have a choice. By opting out, you regain control over your media and limit how Google trains its models.

Here's my advice: spend two minutes today to review your Google privacy settings. Uncheck the "Save Media" box, set auto-delete to 3 months, and explore alternatives like DuckDuckGo for everyday searches. Your data is yours — don't let it be used without your consent.

As AI models grow hungrier for data, expect more companies to follow Google's lead. Stay informed, stay proactive, and keep your digital footprint lean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Google change in its June 2026 update?

Google split its old 'Web & App Activity' into two separate settings: the original 'Web & App Activity' and a new 'Search Services History' setting. The new setting is turned on by default and includes a checkbox labeled 'Save Media.' When checked, Google stores images, audio, and video from services like Search, Maps, Translate, and uses that data to train AI models.

How can I opt out of Google using my data for AI training?

You can opt out in under 2 minutes by visiting myactivity.google.com/activitycontrols. Uncheck the 'Save Media' box to stop Google from saving your images, audio, and video for AI training. Optionally, uncheck 'Search Services History' to stop all search data from being saved. You can also set auto-delete for saved data and review other privacy settings.

What happens after I opt out of Google AI training?

Google stops storing new media files for AI training, but existing saved media may remain until you delete it manually or until the auto-delete period expires. You lose personalized recommendations in Search, Maps, and other services, but you keep core functionality like searching, navigating, using Google Lens, and translating. Most users find the privacy gain outweighs the personalization loss.

How does Google's AI data policy compare to other tech companies?

Google, Meta, and Microsoft all default to collecting data for AI training with opt-out options (limited for Meta). Apple stands out with a privacy-first approach: it uses on-device processing and asks for explicit consent before collecting data, defaulting to opted out. Google collects images, audio, and video from its services, while Meta uses public posts and comments, and Microsoft uses Bing search, Edge browsing, and Office documents.

What are some privacy-focused alternatives to Google?

Alternatives include DuckDuckGo (search engine that doesn't track you), Brave Search (privacy-focused with its own index), Startpage (uses Google results without tracking), and Proton VPN + Search (encrypted search from ProtonMail). These tools deliver solid search results without feeding AI training models.