Google Introduces New Privacy Controls by Separating History and Personalization in Search Services

Google has announced the introduction of new settings dedicated to privacy and personal data management within its search services and Google Play. The goal of the update is to offer users more precise control over activity history and personalization features.

Through a communication sent to users, the company explained that the changes will affect several services, including Google Search, Maps, Shopping, Hotels, Flights, Translator, and News. The new options will progressively appear in Google accounts over the next few days.

In the past, control over history and personalization was mainly managed by the "Web and App Activity" setting. With the new system, Google introduces two separate sections: "Search Services History" and "Personalized Recommendations." The first determines whether activities carried out within Google services are stored in the account, while the second establishes whether such data can be used to tailor suggestions and content to user preferences.

Further Details on Google's New Privacy Features

The Search Services History may include web searches, use of Maps, activities related to Shopping, Hotels, Flights, Translator, and News. According to Google, this feature will make it easier to retrieve past searches and continue using new interactive experiences.

One of the main innovations concerns the saving of multimedia content. Interactions with search services may indeed include images, files, audio, and video recordings. For example, a visual search performed with Lens or a voice conversation using search tools may be stored in the dedicated history.

Google clarifies that this content is protected through specific security and privacy measures, but it also confirms that it may be used to improve its services, security systems, and artificial intelligence models. Users will still have the option to disable media saving or delete individual items from their history. Additionally, Google Play will receive separate settings dedicated to history and personalization. According to Google, this separation will allow for clearer and more detailed management of personal information.