The Briefing RoomJuly 6, 2026via Reuters Technology

If you use Google, you’re training its AI. Here’s how to opt out. - TechCrunch

Why it matters

Google's updated privacy terms now allow user-uploaded content to train Gemini and other AI models. This represents a significant shift in data governance practices and raises critical questions for enterprise and consumer users about consent, data control, and the hidden costs of free services in the AI economy.

Key signals

  • Google updated privacy policy to allow uploaded media (photos, emails, search data) to train AI models
  • Changes apply to Gmail, Google Search, and uploaded content across Google ecosystem
  • Users can opt out via privacy settings, but opt-in by default
  • Story gaining traction across multiple tech media outlets (TechCrunch, Engadget, How-To Geek)
  • Published July 2026 — reflects growing tension between data monetization and user privacy in AI era

The hook

Google just changed its privacy policy. Your photos, emails, and search history are now fair game for AI training — unless you know where to click.

If you use Google, you’re training its AI. Here’s how to opt out.  TechCrunch Google Now Uses Your Uploaded Search Media To Train AI  Engadget People think Google is feeding their photos to Gemini, but the reality is worse  How-To Geek Google quietly connected Gmail with AI. How to check your privacy settings right now?  Letem světem Applem Google updates privacy policy, allows uploaded media to train AI  Межа. Новини України.

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