tech

Publishers will be able to opt out of AI Search, thanks to new regulation

U.K. regulators are requiring Google offer a tool allowing website publishers to opt-out of generative AI search features. The option will be tested in the U.K. then rolled out globally.

Publishers will be able to opt out of AI Search, thanks to new regulation

TL;DR

  • Google must provide U.K. publishers with a way to opt out of AI search aggregation.
  • Publishers can use a new toggle in Google's Search Console to block their content from AI features.
  • The opt-out will initially be tested with a subset of U.K. publishers before a global rollout.
  • The U.K.'s CMA considers this a 'world first' regulation to empower publishers.
  • Google will ensure proper attribution and clear links for publisher content used in AI features.
  • Decisions to opt out of AI search will not impact traditional search rankings.
  • Google will introduce new metrics in Search Console to potentially encourage publishers to remain opted-in.