Google says it will let publishers opt out of AI overviews

"Google says it will eventually allow sites to opt out of generative AI features in search, and make it easier for users to change the default search engine "without the annoying interruptions." Details and timelines, however, were conspicuously absent."

"The Publishers Association noted a 19 percent decline in click-through rates to academic reference services, saying it was "likely to be as a result of Google's conduct in its Search services and AI features.""

"The CMA launched a consultation on proposed measures, including giving publishers more control over how their content feeds Google's AI overviews, introducing choice screens for switching search engines, and making ranking systems more transparent."

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority designated Google with strategic market status in 2025, granting powers to impose competition requirements. Following a January 2026 consultation on proposed measures, Google provided responses offering concessions including allowing sites to opt out of generative AI features and simplifying default search engine changes. However, implementation details and timelines remain absent. Publishers and news organizations expressed concerns about declining click-through rates and called for stronger measures, including complete decoupling of search and AI crawlers and accelerated implementation timelines. The CMA's proposals aimed to increase publisher control over content use in AI, introduce choice screens for search engines, and improve ranking system transparency.

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