Google adds AI opt‑out for publishers
Google will let publishers opt out of AI‑generated search overviews after UK regulatory pressure and publisher complaints about visibility and monetization — a notable change in how generative search treats third‑party content. The opt‑out aims to balance AI features with publishers' rights and revenue concerns. (theregister.com)
Google said on March 18, 2026 that it is “developing new search controls” to let websites specifically opt out of generative-AI features in Search. (lse.co.uk)) The UK Competition and Markets Authority published its consultation proposing publisher opt-outs on January 28, 2026 and framed the measures as part of conduct requirements after designating Google with Strategic Market Status in October 2025. (gov.uk)) The CMA document notes Google handles more than 90% of general search queries in the UK and called for publisher control over AI Overviews, attribution, and fair ranking in AI features. (competitionandmarkets.blog.gov.uk)) Independent analyses show the commercial harm publishers cite: Define Media Group’s portfolio analysis found a 42% drop in organic clicks since AI Overviews expanded, while Chartbeat data recorded a 33% fall in Google search referrals to news sites between November 2024 and November 2025. (searchengineland.com)) The News Media Association told the CMA it needs robust complaints handling, stronger fair‑ranking safeguards, and asked the regulator to shorten a proposed six‑month implementation window to three months. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)) Reuters reported Google also proposed a “less intrusive” device setting to let users change default search engines, alongside its opt‑out work, but Google has not published firm timelines for when publisher opt‑outs would roll out. (lse.co.uk)) Google’s public statement on its corporate blog reiterated it will “continue to work constructively with the CMA” while it develops these controls, leaving open whether the opt‑out would be UK‑limited or applied globally. (blog.google))
