UK CMA orders Google to let publishers opt out of AI search features
GOOG•The UK's CMA assigned Google strategic market status and ordered it to let publishers opt out of AI Overviews and AI Mode by June. Google will introduce attribution links in AI-generated responses and a control panel for publishers to manage content usage in search features.
1. CMA Designates Google Strategic Market Status
Britain's Competition and Markets Authority has given Google strategic market status under its digital markets regime, enabling the regulator to impose conduct requirements on search services.
2. Publisher Opt-Out for AI Features
Under new rules, publishers can opt out of having their content used in AI Overviews and AI Mode; sites that opt out will cease receiving traffic from these AI-driven summaries but remain in traditional search results.
3. New Attribution Links and Control Panel
Google will add more links in AI-generated search responses and provide a dashboard for publishers to manage content display and usage rights within generative AI features.
4. Impact on Click-Through Rates and Future Compliance
News websites report declining click-through rates as users rely on AI summaries; the CMA rules aim to restore publisher bargaining power and require clear attribution for AI-derived content.
