Write News

Google AI Warning: Change These 5 Google Settings Now to Protect Your Privacy and Personal Data

Posted on 13th Jul 2026 01:33 pm by rohit kumar

Google has updated its Terms of Service and AI data policies, introducing changes that could affect how information shared with its AI-powered services is handled. Under the updated policy, content uploaded or shared while using AI features such as Gemini, Google Search, and Google Lens may be used to improve Google's AI models. If you want greater control over your privacy, experts recommend reviewing and changing several Google account settings.

 

Here's what the new policy means and the five settings you should check to better protect your personal data.

 

Google AI May Use Data Shared With Gemini, Search and Lens

 

According to Google's updated AI policy, information you provide while interacting with AI-powered services—including text prompts, photos, audio recordings and other uploaded files—may be used to improve AI models.

 

Google also notes that, in some cases, trained human reviewers may review selected interactions to help improve AI quality and safety.

 

However, data stored in Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos is not automatically included in this AI training process, according to the current policy.

 

Why Privacy Experts Are Concerned

 

Many people now rely on Google AI tools for:

 

Medical information

Understanding legal documents

Office file analysis

Photo editing

Voice conversations with Gemini

Everyday search assistance

 

As a result, users may unknowingly upload personal or confidential information while interacting with AI services.

 

Privacy experts advise users to avoid sharing highly sensitive personal documents with AI chatbots.

 

5 Google Settings You Should Change

 

If you want to reduce how your activity is used for AI-related improvements, consider reviewing these settings in your Google account.

 

1. Review Search Services Settings

 

Visit your Google Account and open Search Services Settings to review which AI-related features are enabled.

 

2. Turn Off 'Save Media'

 

Disable the Save Media option if available. This helps prevent supported media interactions from being retained for AI-related purposes.

 

3. Enable Auto-Delete

 

Configure My Activity to automatically delete your search and activity history after 3, 6, 18 or 36 months, reducing the amount of stored activity over time.

 

4. Disable Search Personalization

 

Turn off Search Personalization if you prefer search results that are less influenced by your previous activity and interests.

 

5. Review 'My Activity'

 

Regularly check My Activity to see what information Google has stored and manage or delete activity history across supported services.

 

What Happens After You Turn Off These Settings?

 

Disabling these options does not stop you from using Google services.

 

Apps like Google Search, Google Maps, Google Lens and Gemini will continue to work, but the experience may become less personalized.

 

For example:

 

Search recommendations may be less tailored.

Previously searched information may be harder to find quickly.

Google Maps may provide fewer personalized suggestions.

AI features may have less context about your past activity.

Never Upload These Sensitive Documents to AI Tools

 

Cybersecurity and privacy experts recommend avoiding the upload of confidential information to AI chatbots, including:

 

Aadhaar, PAN card or passport copies

Bank statements and financial records

Passwords and login credentials

Medical reports

Legal agreements

Confidential office documents

OTPs and verification codes

 

Sharing such information could increase privacy and security risks, regardless of the AI platform being used.

1 0 Tweet