I have kept my Google history. I only removed photos and voice.
I previously wrote about going to see what Google knows about me.
I went to see what Google knows about me
At that time, I didn't turn off all the records. I set them to be automatically deleted after three months, and I was satisfied with that.
Search history is convenient. The shops I looked up before appear again. I am quite often helped by that.
So, I chose to 'keep it, but not hoard it'.
However, the other day, I saw this news: Google changed its settings in June, and photos and audio sent to search are now also used as material to make AI smarter.
Photos and voice.
I thought that was a different story.
This time, it wasn't just text
What I had been concerned about until now was the text record of 'what I searched for'.
This time, things like this were added to that.
Photos taken with Google Lens
Voices spoken during voice searches
Voices read aloud during Google Translate pronunciation practice
Files and videos sent to search
Pointing the camera to look up 'what is this?'. Speaking 'nearby supermarket' with my voice.
I thought it was only text, so hearing about photos and voice made me feel a bit uneasy.
I felt that rather than just what I searched for, my actual life was being captured.
Two new items had been added
Two new items have appeared in Google's settings.
Search service history
Personalized recommendations for search services
This is a separate item from the existing 'Web & App Activity'.
I looked into whether the previous settings were carried over, but I couldn't tell. So, I went to check my own screen.
I looked into it a bit, but I couldn't determine it.
So, I went to check my own screen.
When I checked, both were on.
'Search service history' was on.
The 'Save media' option below it was also checked. Photos and voice were also being saved.
In my case, it's fine that the history is on. I've been using it with that intention from the start.
However, I don't remember choosing the media option myself. It means that when the item was added, it was checked by default.
I'm glad I checked.
The place to check is here.
https://myactivity.google.com/search-services/settings
When you open it, it shows whether 'Search service history' is on or off.
The important part is 'Save media' inside it. If you uncheck this,you can keep your history while only removing photos and voice.
It's not an all-or-nothing situation.
Also, this setting is reportedly being rolled out gradually. If you open the page and don't see the item, it might just not have reached your account yet.
I don't think you have to turn everything off.
When it comes to privacy settings, it feels like turning everything off is the right thing to do.
But I didn't think so.
There are times when having your history saved is actually helpful. If you delete everything, you lose that convenience as well.
I think what's important is to decide for yourself how much you are comfortable with.
It's fine for some people to keep everything on, and it's fine for others to keep everything off. I chose the middle ground.
What I am doing now
I am keeping my "Search service history" on. The setting to automatically delete it after three months is also still in place.
The only thing I unchecked was "Save media".
Text is fine, but I don't want photos and voice saved. It's a strange line to draw even for myself, but that is where I feel comfortable.
Also, I have decided to open this screen about once every six months from now on. If I put it in my calendar, it will remind me.
I have already adjusted the settings for talking to the AI once before.
Is what I type being seen somewhere? A talk about AI and data
Well then.
I used to think that once you set something, that was it.
But items increase. Names change. What I decided last year might not necessarily still be effective this year.
That's why I check it from time to time. And I decide again based on who I am at that moment.
You don't have to turn everything off. You don't have to turn everything on. You can choose the middle ground.
When you notice it, that's the time to change it. That's how I feel.
If you enjoyed reading this to the end, I would be happy if you could click the ♡ button.
If you have any "What should I do about this?" questions regarding smartphones or AI, please ask me on LINE. A greeting with just a stamp is also very welcome. ▶ https://lin.ee/OEZd5DD
Author: Sate. | Smartphones and AI for those in their 50s and up
30 years in the IT industry. 20 of those years were as a technical writer writing manuals.
I translate and resolve the "fuzziness" and "vague fears" about smartphones and AI for those in their 50s and up with gentle words.