Google sent out emails notifying applicable advertisers that they will default call recording to Yes, to always record calls, if you don't pick an option yourself. Google wrote, "Starting July 01, 2026, if you haven't made a selection for your "Call recording" setting, it will automatically default to "Yes"."
Anthony Higman was emailed this and he posted about it on LinkedIn and the email does share how to turn it off. It says:
If you wish to turn off call recordings, you must update your preferences in account settings to "No" before this date. By leaving this setting empty after June 30, 2026, you consent to Google updating your setting to "Yes" and you accept the associated Call ads Supplemental Terms.Please note: Even if call recording is auto-enabled, you can still turn call recording off at any time by accessing your account settings.
Then Google makes its case on why you should turn it on:
Starting May 2026, we're rolling out a new way to qualify your phone call leads. Instead of only relying on call duration, Google AI will automatically evaluate call leads to help you identify high-quality potential customers and optimize your ad spend.
Here is a copy of the email:
Forum discussion at LinkedIn.
