Google lets sites opt out of AI search results, knowing most have nowhere else to go
Quick Answer
Google has introduced an opt-out feature for website operators in Search Console, allowing them to exclude their sites from AI search results like AI Overviews and AI Mode, which collectively attract over 3.5 billion users monthly.
Quick Take
Google has introduced an opt-out feature for website operators in Search Console, allowing them to exclude their sites from AI search results like AI Overviews and AI Mode, which collectively attract over 3.5 billion users monthly. This decision follows concerns from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority regarding the disadvantages faced by website operators.
Key Points
- Website operators can now opt out of AI search features in Search Console.
- AI Overviews and AI Mode reach over 3.5 billion users monthly.
- The UK's Competition and Markets Authority prompted this opt-out option.
- New performance reports will separate impressions for opted-out sites.
- Most website operators may have limited alternatives to Google's search.
Source Excerpt
From the original publisher, up to about 700 charactersFor the first time, Google is giving website operators an opt-out toggle in Search Console for AI search features like AI Overviews and AI Mode, which together already reach more than 3. 5 billion monthly users. New performance reports break out impressions separately. The move was prompted by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which sees website operators at a severe disadvantage.
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