Google To Use Your Uploads For Training Gemini AI From September 2 — Here’s How To Disable It
TECH
Google has announced a revision to its data policy for the Gemini AI chatbot, scheduled to take effect on September 2, 2025. Under the updated rules, the company will be permitted to use user conversations, uploads, and media files to further train and enhance its AI models. While Google maintains that the move will improve Gemini’s accuracy and personalization, the decision has already sparked privacy concerns among users who may not want their personal content feeding into AI training systems.
Google to Use Your Uploads for Training Gemini AI from September 2 — Here’s How to Disable It
What’s Changing (and Why It Matters)
On September 2, 2025, Google will roll out an update to its Gemini AI system that could affect how your files, images, chats, and uploads are used behind the scenes. Under the new policy, Google says it may use — in some capacity — the materials you upload via Gemini (photos, videos, documents, prompts) to help train its AI models. (Google Help)
For many users, that raises immediate privacy and control concerns: Do I want my personal snapshots, documents, or private chats to become part of training data? Google offers a path for opting out — but as always, the devil is in the details.
Before the change, the setting allowing Google to use your Gemini activity was called Gemini Apps Activity. After September 2, Google plans to rename it Keep Activity. (The Verge) When the setting is turned on, Google says it may use a sample of your uploads + chat history to improve its services. (The Verge)
If you turn it off, Google claims:
Future chats, uploads, and recordings won’t be used for AI training or human review. (Google Help)
Some retention of recent data (e.g. up to 72 hours) may still be necessary for service and security. (India Today)
You can also opt to delete past Gemini activity. (All Things How)
Importantly, content already reviewed by Google before you turned off activity might remain in their system (though Google says it would be anonymized). (All Things How)
How to Disable the Training Use of Your Uploads & Chats
If you want to prevent your content from becoming part of Google’s AI training pool, here’s how to do it — on desktop (web) and mobile.
On Web / Desktop (gemini.google.com)
Go to gemini.google.com and sign in with your Google account. (India Today)
From the sidebar (or bottom), open the Activity section (icon with a clock & arrow). (Tom's Guide)
In that “Your Gemini Apps Activity / Keep Activity” panel, click Turn off (or “Turn off and delete activity” if you also want to purge past records). (India Today)
Optionally, delete past activity via the same interface (you can delete all-time, last day, or custom ranges). (Digital Information World)
After you do this, Google claims it will not use your future uploads or chats for training, and human reviewers won’t access them. (All Things How)
Still, keep in mind: Google may retain recent data (e.g. last 72 hours) even with activity off, for operational/security uses. (India Today)
On Mobile (Android / iOS)
Open the Gemini app on your device. (Proton)
Tap your profile picture (top-right). (India Today)
Go to Gemini Apps Activity (or soon “Keep Activity”). (India Today)
Tap Turn off (or “Turn off and delete activity”). (India Today)
(Optional) Delete past activity from the same screen. (All Things How)
Also check whether audio & Live recordings are allowed to “improve services for everyone” — uncheck if privacy is your priority. (All Things How)
That’s it — the setting is account-wide, so once turned off, it should apply on all your devices. (BGR)
Things to Note & Caveats
Even with the setting off, Google may retain your recent data (e.g. up to 72 hours) for internal functionality or system integrity. (India Today)
Content already reviewed by Google or processed prior to your opt-out might remain in anonymized form in their systems. (All Things How)
Some features — like personalisation, remembering prior chats, or more contextual responses — may get less powerful once Gemini isn’t allowed to reference your history. (Tom's Guide)
If you have multiple Google accounts, you’ll need to repeat this in each. (BGR)
For Google Workspace (school/organisation) accounts, some privacy settings might be controlled by your organisation’s admin. (Google Help)
Google warns that the renaming from “Gemini Apps Activity” to “Keep Activity” doesn’t change function — it’s mostly a rebranding. (The Verge)
My Take
I understand why Google is pushing this change. AI systems depend on vast, varied data to improve. By drawing from real user uploads and interactions, they can make Gemini more capable, responsive, and context-aware. But there’s an inherent tension: Your data is your own, especially when it includes personal photos, work files, or conversations.
To me, the presence of an opt-out is non-negotiable. Users should retain control over whether their content contributes to AI training. But equally important is clarity and transparency. If Google buries the setting, makes opting out confusing, or doesn’t fully delete previously used data, that undermines trust.
From a practical standpoint: I would urge everyone using Gemini (or any AI tool) to check their settings now. Turn off activity logging if you value privacy, and periodically revisit settings — companies often change policies. And as a rule: avoid uploading your most sensitive files or personal materials to any AI system unless necessary.
Ultimately, tools like Gemini should respect boundaries between utility and privacy. Smart systems shouldn’t assume permission — they should ask and clearly inform. If Google follows through with promised controls, this update could be tolerable for many. But if defaults push people into data sharing without notice, that’s where the line gets blurry.