Google changes its terms to align with the EU AI Act from 30 July 2026 - and how to boost privacy

The change takes effect across Google services from 30 July and is intended to bring them into line with European Artificial Intelligence regulation. There are also ways to adjust your account settings to increase privacy.

Google is already notifying users, and the update affects anyone who uses Android, Gmail and other tools such as Search, Google Translate, Maps and Google Lens. For now, at least, Google Photos is not included.

The US technology giant has been under pressure from European authorities because of its dominance in several markets, particularly online search. It has also faced criticism over the scale of information it can collect about citizens across its different platforms.

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Your Search history, the videos you watch on YouTube, location data in Maps (including places saved for trips), the apps you use on your phone or tablet, and the files stored in Drive can reveal far more about you and your activity than you might expect. Even if you see Google as a trustworthy company, it is still worth reviewing the digital footprint you leave online.

What changes in Google’s terms from 30 July 2026

Google’s updated terms of service will apply from 30 July 2026. They adjust the company’s policies to match the requirements of the EU AI Act (the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence legislation) and also clarify certain points around data collection.

In its documentation, Google says the Search-related changes are linked to the ability to save a history of data from websites you visit and from generative AI responses. This can include information provided by the user, such as images, files, and audio and video recordings.

What you can control in your Google account

There are, however, ways to limit what Google can access, and to decide when certain data should be removed from your profile. In your account settings, you can choose which types of history data are kept and for how long, and you can also manage advertising options. It is all fairly straightforward to set up, including on a smartphone.

How to strengthen your privacy on Google services

1) Open your account settings

Sign in to your Google Account on your smartphone or in a browser and select Data & privacy. From there, you can access a range of services and controls.

2) Check the available Privacy Suggestions (image)

This tool offers multiple recommendations and provides a shortcut for automatically deleting data-such as your Timeline of visited places and saved routes, or your YouTube history. You can also use the account manager to set up a plan for your data, including what happens if you die or if your account is inactive for more than 3 months.

3) Choose to minimise your digital footprint

Historical search or browsing information can sometimes be useful, but consider reducing your digital footprint. The more information you share, the more companies can learn about you, and it can become overly intrusive-particularly when it involves health data or other private details.

4) Review connected services and which apps can access your data

Using your Google Account to sign in to other services and apps can be convenient, but it often results in overly broad permissions for data access. In your account, review what is connected and block anything you do not use or do not want to keep active.

By Fátima Caçador