Imagine your business’s photos, voice recordings, and search history being used to train Google’s AI—without your explicit consent. That’s exactly what’s happening if you use Google services, and it could mean your proprietary data is helping improve a competitor’s tools. For Malaysian SME owners, this is a pain point that needs immediate attention.
TL;DR: Google has updated its privacy settings to use your media (images, files, audio, video) for AI training by default. You can opt out by adjusting your Search Services History and Search Services Personalization settings. This affects all Google services, from Search to Maps and Translate.
What’s Happening with Your Google Data?
According to a recent TechCrunch report, Google made an under-the-radar change to its privacy settings in June 2023, opting users into expanded AI training by default (TechCrunch). The update introduced two new settings: Search Services History and Personalized Recommendations. These allow Google to store media like “images, files, and audio and video recordings” to improve its AI models. This applies beyond Search to services like Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News.
“Like your Search Services History, your saved media is also used to develop and improve Google services and technologies, including AI models and safety measures.” — Google email to customers (TechCrunch)
For example, when you use Google Lens to snap a photo or use Search Live for voice input, that media may be saved for AI training. Similarly, practicing speaking in Google Translate stores audio recordings. This shift is part of a broader industry trend where companies like Meta are also training AI on user-uploaded content.
Why This Matters for Your Business
If your business uses Google services for daily operations—like Google My Business, Maps, or Translate—your data could be training AI that benefits competitors. It feels like a sneaky way to turn your input into free labor for Google. For example, product photos you upload for Google Shopping might be used to train visual AI models. This isn’t just a privacy concern; it’s about your competitive edge. As a non-technical SME owner, you likely don’t have time to dig through settings, but ignoring this could mean your business data is helping improve tools that others use against you.
The good news is you have control here. Google’s help documentation acknowledges that “the company uses your history to provide, develop, and improve its services (such as training generative AI models)” (Google Help), but you can opt out. However, most users were opted in by default, which probably isn’t what you signed up for.
How to Opt Out (Step by Step)
Here’s a quick checklist to regain control of your data. Each step takes less than a minute.
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit Search Services History | Go to this page and uncheck the “Save Media” box. You can also uncheck “Search Services History” if desired. |
| 2. Adjust Search Services Personalization | Go to this page and toggle off personalized recommendations. |
| 3. Set auto-delete preferences | On the same pages, choose to automatically delete data after 3, 18, or 36 months. |
| 4. Review other settings | Check Web & App Activity, Timeline, and YouTube History on this page. |
Note: The new Search data setting is separate from Web & App Activity, so if you changed settings before this update, you’ll need to opt out again for Search (TechCrunch).
The Bigger Picture: Data Privacy in the AI Era
This update reflects a larger trend: tech giants are scraping every bit of user data to fuel their AI ambitions. For SMEs in Malaysia, this isn’t just a Google issue—it’s a wake-up call about your digital footprint. Your business’s media and history are valuable assets. By default, you’re feeding the machine that could power your competitors’ customer insights. The evergreen lesson here is to question default settings and regularly audit your privacy controls. As AI becomes more integrated into business tools, protecting your data will likely become critical for maintaining a competitive edge.
Don’t assume you’re safe just because you’re a small business. Every upload, search, or voice command contributes to models that might be used industry-wide. Take control now before it gets more complicated.
Book a free 15-min call to see how AI and data privacy applies to your business → https://autorunbiz.com