UK regulation requires Google to offer publishers AI search opt-out
9 reported
The United Kingdom has imposed legal requirements on Google regarding its AI search features, and the company announced compliance on Wednesday. Under the new rules, Google must provide publishers with a way to opt out of having their content aggregated into AI search results. Publishers can use a new toggle in Google’s Search Console to opt out, which will prevent their site from appearing in features like AI Overviews, AI Mode, or AI Overviews in Discover. Google stated it will initially test the opt-out option with a subset of U.K. publishers before rolling it out globally. The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) described the move as a “world first” that puts publishers back in control of their content. The CMA had designated Google as having “strategic market status” last October, and in January pushed the company to give publishers a choice about content use in AI features. Google also noted that a website’s opt-out decision will not affect its traditional search ranking, and it will provide new metrics in Search Console to help publishers evaluate their presence in AI responses.
What’s reported
The U.K. imposed legal guardrails on Google’s AI search, and Google announced compliance on Wednesday.
Publishers can opt out using a new toggle in Google’s Search Console.
Opting out removes a site from AI Overviews, AI Mode, and AI Overviews in Discover.
Google will test the option with a subset of U.K. publishers before global rollout.
The CMA called the move a “world first” that strengthens publishers’ negotiating position for content deals.
The CMA designated Google as having “strategic market status” last October and pushed for publisher choice in January.
Google must also ensure proper attribution with clear links in AI features.
Opting out of AI search will not affect a site’s traditional Google search ranking.
Google will provide new metrics in Search Console, including impression data and country-level information.
Key figures
Google (company)
U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
Sources: TechCrunch
