The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has introduced new requirements forcing Google to allow publishers to opt out of having their content used in AI-generated search features while still remaining visible in traditional Google search results. Previously, publishers faced a difficult choice: allow Google to use their content in AI summaries or risk losing search visibility altogether.
Why it matters
For the first time, UK publishers have gained meaningful control over whether Google can use their content to power AI Overviews and related AI search products.
This addresses a growing concern among news organisations that AI-generated answers are reducing clicks, readership, and advertising revenue by providing answers directly on the search results page.
