Google is introducing a new system for managing personalisation across its search-related services, giving users more direct control over how their activity is stored and used to shape recommendations.

In an update published on its support pages, the company said it is gradually rolling out two new settings — Search Services History and Personalised Recommendations — that will apply across a range of products including search, maps, shopping, flights, hotels, translate, and news.

The changes represent a shift from Google's previous approach, where much of this functionality was controlled through broader Web & App Activity and Search Personalisation settings. Under the new system, users will be able to manage the storage of search-related activity separately from the recommendations generated from that information.

Google said the rollout would take place over the coming months and that some users may continue to see the existing controls until the transition is complete.

Search services history will allow signed-in users to decide whether interactions across Google's search services are saved to their accounts. According to the company, the stored information can include searches, websites visited through search services, generative artificial intelligence responses, general location information and, in some cases, media such as images, files and audio or video recordings. Examples include images submitted through Google Lens, uploaded content, voice searches and recordings created through services such as Search Live and Translate speaking practice.

Google said this information can be used to help users revisit previous searches and receive personalised experiences across its services. The company also stated that saved activity may be used to develop and improve products, including the training of generative AI models.

Users who disable search services history will prevent future activity from being used to train Google's generative AI models, unless they choose to provide feedback directly. Google also noted that data from educational accounts is not used for generative AI training.

To turn Search Services History on or off:

• Go to the Search Services History settings page and sign in if prompted.
• Toggle Search Services History on or off.
• If the setting is enabled, users can choose whether media such as images, files and audio recordings are saved by adjusting the "Save Media" option.
• If the setting is turned off, users can either stop future activity from being saved or choose "Turn off and delete activity" to remove existing history.

Alongside the history setting, Google is introducing personalised recommendations, which determines whether search services can tailor results and suggestions based on information associated with a user's account. This can include profile information, search services history, and other activity collected across Google's platforms.

According to the company, personalised recommendations may influence search results, news feeds, AI-generated responses and location-based suggestions. Someone who frequently searches for a particular topic, such as tennis, may see more content related to that subject. AI-powered features may also adapt responses based on previous interests or activity.

To turn personalised recommendations on or off:

• Sign in to a Google Account.
• Open Data & Privacy settings.
• Select Personalisation Settings.
• Toggle Personalised Recommendations in Search services on or off.
• Users can also access the setting directly through Google's search personalisation page.