The UK’s competition authority has imposed tough new rules on Google’s use of publishers’ content within its AI search results.
For the first time, all publishers will have the right not to appear in the AI Overview which now largely sit above search results on the firm’s site.
Additionally, Google will need to prominently attribute content which is included in the feature and include clear links to the original source sites, additionally publishers which allow their content to appear are to be given “clear and detailed” user engagement metrics.
Google is the world’s biggest search engine and its policies on listing and inclusion of sites and individual pages play a major role in determining the fate of websites.
Imposition of the new rules follows a months-long Competition and Markets Authority inquiry, including a call for comments and views from online publishers and other interested parties.
Google will need to file regular reports showing how it’s complying with the CMA’s new rules which it must bring into effect within 9 months.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “Today, we have introduced a world‑first requirement on Google’s search services in the UK, enabling fair treatment, greater transparency and meaningful choice for businesses and consumers.
“With features like AI Overviews rapidly reshaping online search, it is crucial that content publishers, including news organisations, have appropriate bargaining power over how their content is used.
“At the same time, these measures will help tens of millions of UK search users better understand and trust the information presented to them.”