20 hrs ago
EU Regulators Quiz Publishers on Google AI Opt-Out Proposal
The European Union is checking how Google uses publishers’ articles and other online content in AI search.
Google has proposed an opt-out that would let publishers stop their content from being used for AI features.
Google says choosing the opt-out would not change a publisher’s regular search ranking.
Publishers are worried that AI summaries could reduce visits to their websites and lower their earnings.
The European Commission sent publishers a questionnaire about these issues.
It also asked about Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode features.
The questionnaire was sent in July, and responses were due by August 28.
Regulators may use the answers in their investigation of Google’s AI search practices.
If Google’s proposal does not address competition concerns, the company could face another large EU fine.
The European Commission is asking publishers whether Google’s AI opt-out addresses their concerns.
The proposal would let publishers exclude their content from AI search without affecting traditional search rankings.
Publishers have raised concerns about content use, falling website traffic and declining revenues.
The questionnaire also asks about combining AI Overviews and AI Mode into one AI Search experience.
The consultation was sent in July, with publishers given until August 28 to respond.
- Who
- The European Commission, Google and online publishers.
- What
- The European Commission is seeking publisher feedback on Google’s proposed AI search opt-out as part of an investigation into Google’s AI search practices.
- Where
- The investigation and consultation are taking place within the European Union.
- When
- The questionnaire was sent in July, with an August 28 deadline; the Reuters report was dated September 1.
- Why
- Regulators are assessing concerns about the use of publisher content, search rankings, falling website traffic and declining revenues.
Regulators and publishers’ concerns
Google’s proposed approach
Use of publisher content
Regulators and publishers’ concerns
Publishers and EU regulators are examining whether Google’s use of publisher content in AI search is fair and whether the opt-out adequately addresses their concerns.
Google’s proposed approach
Google has proposed allowing publishers to opt out of having their content used to power AI features.
Search rankings
Regulators and publishers’ concerns
The European Commission is asking publishers whether the proposal sufficiently protects their search visibility.
Google’s proposed approach
Google’s proposal would allow publishers to opt out without affecting their rankings in traditional search results.
Traffic and revenue
Regulators and publishers’ concerns
Publishers have complained that AI-generated summaries could cause falling website traffic and declining revenues.
Google’s proposed approach
The articles do not state Google’s specific response to publishers’ traffic and revenue concerns; its proposed mechanism focuses on opting out of AI use while preserving rankings.
Key facts
- Regulator
- European Commission
- Company
- Questionnaire timing
- Sent in July; responses due August 28
- Opt-out proposal
- Publishers could stop their content from being used in AI search without affecting traditional search rankings
- Publisher concerns
- Content use, falling traffic and declining revenues
- AI features
- AI Overviews and AI Mode
- Potential consequence
- Google could face another hefty EU antitrust fine if concerns are not addressed
Sources
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