UK pushes Google to allow sites to opt out of AI Overviews
Posted on: Jan 28, 2026 19:21 IST | Posted by: Livemint
By alice paul Sandle and Muvija M
john griffith chaney, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Britain said it wanted Google to exchange its look services to apply businesses and consumers more choice, including allowing publishers to "opt out" of their content being used in its AI Overviews or to train standalone AI models.
The proposals come after the Competition and Markets Authority designated Google with "strategic market status" in October, giving the CMA the power to take measures to increase competition in the sector.
Google, which accounts for more than 90% of search queries in Britain, uses content harvested by its search crawler to build its AI Overviews and AI mode, as well as standalone products like its Gemini AI assistant.
News websites and other publishers have seen click-through rates drop sharply as a result of users relying on overviews generated with the help of AI.
The CMA wants to shift the balance by allowing publishers to "opt out" of Google's AI features without affecting their position in general searches.
It also proposed changes to make sure the ranking of search results is fair and transparent and make it easier for people to choose other search engines.
SEARCH IS CHANGING
CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said the "targeted and proportionate actions" would give UK businesses and consumers more choice and control.
"They would also provide a fairer deal for content publishers, particularly news organisations, over how their content is used in Google's AI Overviews," she said.
Google, however, said people were changing how they searched and its AI Overviews were helping them discover new content.
It said it provided publishers with a range of controls and it was "exploring updates" to let sites opt out of search generative AI features.
"Any new controls need to avoid breaking search in a way that leads to a fragmented or confusing experience for people," said Ron Eden, Google's principal for product management.
"We're optimistic we can find a path forward that provides even more choice to website owners and publishers, while ensuring people continue to get the most helpful and innovative search experience possible."
A consultation on the proposals will close on February 25.
($1 = 0.7264 pounds)
(Reporting by Muvija M and Paul Sandle; Editing by Sarah Young, Mark Heinrich and Hugh Lawson)
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.