Google just announced it is looking into ways to allow websites to specifically opt out of Google using its content in the Search generative AI features such as AI Overviews and AI Mode. This comes based on UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) new requirements for Google Search.
These new requirements include ways for Google to "provide to websites to manage their content in Search AI features."
Google said, "we're now exploring updates to our controls to let sites specifically opt out of Search generative AI features." This will be based on how they allow sites to control how their sites show up for featured snippets and Google Extended, which does not impact search AI features.
Google added, "Our goal is to protect the helpfulness of Search for people who want information quickly, while also giving websites the right tools to manage their content. We look forward to engaging in the CMA’s process and will continue discussions with website owners and other stakeholders on this topic."
Google made it clear that the new controls "need to avoid breaking Search in a way that leads to a fragmented or confusing experience for people. As AI increasingly becomes a core part of how people find information, any new controls also need to be simple and scalable for website owners."
I am looking forward to giving content creators, publishers and site owners more control over how search engines can use your content. I mean, Google already thought of ways but went with the least helpful option. I guess this is back on the table.
Forum discussion at X.
