Does Google Photo scans local files?

Hello,
I couldn´t find an asnwer about local files scanning. I know Google would scan photos that you upload to their servers.
But if you are using Google photo with backup turned off, would the app still scan your local stored files?
Thank you!

In order to show you local pictures, yes, it will scan the pictures folder. New screeshot, pictures will automatically appear in google photos.

Thank you. I think I should´ve been more explicit in my question: Will Google use the local photos and scan them for meta data/persoanl information/face recognision and more like they do for the files you backup on their servers?
Thank you again.