You can turn off conversation saving in your Google Account, but even with it off, Google keeps conversations for up to 36 hours for safety reasons. Only when the setting is on does Google use conversations for AI training or human review.
This analysis describes what Google Gemini's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The activity control does not provide complete data elimination; a 36-hour retention window remains regardless of user preference, and the distinction between what the control does and does not govern is operationally significant for users seeking to minimize data retention.
The updated privacy notice establishes that Google collects data from third-party services you connect to Gemini, including Model Context Protocol server tools, and that such connections are not monitored or secured by Google. The notice explicitly states that choosing to connect third-party apps may expose your data, passwords, devices, and accounts to unauthorized access. The revised terms also clarify that you can use temporary chats, which are not retained for AI improvement purposes with human reviewer assistance. You can manage connected app permissions through Gemini Spark settings.
View change record →The updated notice adds new disclosure sections explaining how data flows when using Gemini Spark (remote browser and computer access), how avatar creation collects and processes information, and clarifies that Google collects information about AI reasoning steps during task execution. The notice also refines language around subscription information to specify 'Google AI plan' rather than just generic 'paid subscription.' These changes do not establish new obligations but rather expand the transparency disclosures provided to users about existing and new features.
View change record →The updated notice now explicitly identifies Memory as a feature that operates on the basis of user consent, alongside Voice Match. The revised language removes prior geographic restrictions on personalization, meaning Gemini can now reference chat history to generate personalized insights for all users globally, not just those outside the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK. The removal of the statement 'Keep Activity must be on to use this feature' simplifies the operational requirement but does not establish a new obligation. You can learn how to turn the Memory feature on or off through the updated privacy notice.
View change record →This new provision clarifies user control mechanisms and explicitly explains the different data handling outcomes based on activity settings, enhancing user agency and transparency.
View full change record →Turning off Gemini Apps Activity stops conversations from being saved long-term to your account and stops their use for AI training, but does not prevent Google from retaining conversations for up to 36 hours. Users should understand that this control limits but does not eliminate data retention.
How other platforms handle this
we do honor legally-recognized browser-based mechanisms (such as the Global Privacy Control designed to signal your opt out choices under certain state laws).
If you choose to reveal any personal information about yourself to other users, you do so at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to use caution in disclosing any personal information online.
When you are asked to provide information, you may decline to do so; but if you choose not to provide information that is necessary to provide some of our Services, you may not be able to use those Services.
"You can control whether your Gemini Apps conversations are saved to your Google Account in the Gemini Apps Activity setting. When Gemini Apps Activity is on, your conversations are saved to your Google Account for up to 3 years and may be reviewed by human raters and used to improve Google products and services. When Gemini Apps Activity is off, your conversations aren't saved to your Google Account, but they are saved for up to 36 hours to provide the service and help with safety.Excerpt from Google Gemini's Gemini Apps Privacy Notice
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: The gap between user control settings and actual data retention practices may require evaluation under GDPR Article 7 (conditions for consent) and Article 5(1)(e) (storage limitation), particularly regarding whether the 36-hour residual retention …
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The activity control does not provide complete data elimination; a 36-hour retention window remains regardless of user preference, and the distinction between what the control does and does not govern is operationally significant for users seeking to minimize data retention.
Turning off Gemini Apps Activity stops conversations from being saved long-term to your account and stops their use for AI training, but does not prevent Google from retaining conversations for up to 36 hours. Users should understand that this control limits but does not eliminate data retention.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 289 platforms. See the full comparison.
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