Google started training AI on your data — here's how to turn it off
Google quietly changed its privacy settings — user data is now used by default to train its AI models. The change is active automatically: if you did nothing, your activity is already being included in training datasets. To opt out, you need to go to your account settings and manually disable the relevant options.
AI-processed from TechCrunch; edited by Hamidun News
On July 6, 2026, Google changed its privacy settings so that user data can now be used by default to train the company's AI systems — you need to opt out manually.
What Exactly Did Google Change
The corporation updated its policy determining which user activity data is included in training datasets for AI models. The key point: the change is active by default. This means that if you haven't gone into settings and manually changed the option — your activity is already involved.
The pattern is familiar. In 2024–2025, similar changes were made by Meta (for Facebook and Instagram), Adobe (for Creative Cloud), and X (formerly Twitter). Each time the reaction was predictable: waves of outrage, streams of "how to disable" guides, regulatory reviews. Google is reproducing the same model — just with fundamentally different reach.
Which Data is Affected
Google's ecosystem spans dozens of products: Search, YouTube, Maps, Gmail, Chrome, Android. Potentially, the updated policy could cover:
- Search queries in Google Search
- Viewing history on YouTube
- Routes and geolocation in Google Maps
- Interactions with other account services
If Meta knows what you publish, Google knows what you search for, watch, where you go, and what you write in mail. The scale of data collection is incomparable to other platforms.
How to Opt Out of Data Sharing
Opting out is done through Google account settings. You should start with the section related to activity history and personalization — that's where you'll find toggles controlling how your data is used.
One important caveat: opting out applies to future activity. Data that Google has already collected by the time you disable it typically remains in training datasets — companies usually don't practice retroactive deletion. There are separate account data management tools for removing accumulated history.
What This Means
Millions of Google users are right now training its AI models — they just don't realize it. Each such change looks minor, but collectively they form a sustained industry practice: enable by default, offer opt-out to those who find the right settings section. For those who want to control their digital footprint, it's worth making it a rule to regularly check privacy settings — not just for Google.
*Meta is recognized as an extremist organization and banned in the Russian Federation.
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Key Questions Answered
What Exactly Did Google Change?
The corporation updated its policy determining which user activity data is included in training datasets for AI models. The key point: the change is active by default. This means that if you haven't gone into settings and manually changed the option — your activity is already involved. The pattern is familiar. In 2024–2025, similar changes were made by Meta (for Facebook and Instagram), Adobe (for Creative Cloud), and X (formerly Twitter). Each time the reaction was predictable: waves of outrage, streams of "how to disable" guides, regulatory reviews. Google is reproducing
Which Data is Affected?
Google's ecosystem spans dozens of products: Search, YouTube, Maps, Gmail, Chrome, Android. Potentially, the updated policy could cover: Search queries in Google Search Viewing history on YouTube Routes and geolocation in Google Maps Interactions with other account services If Meta knows what you publish, Google knows what you search for, watch, where you go, and what you write in mail. The scale of data collection is incomparable to other platforms.
How to Opt Out of Data Sharing?
Opting out is done through Google account settings. You should start with the section related to activity history and personalization — that's where you'll find toggles controlling how your data is used. One important caveat: opting out applies to future activity. Data that Google has already collected by the time you disable it typically remains in training datasets — companies usually don't practice retroactive deletion. There are separate account data management tools for removing accumulated history.
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