Google says 'the open web is in rapid decline' weeks after arguing in favor of AI

"Barely a month ago, Google argued that its AI products are not to blame for the widespread traffic declines, saying that total click volume "has been relatively stable" and that "average click quality has increased." That was in response to a s tudy that showed web traffic was falling with patterns that suggested AI was to blame. Google called the study's methodology "flawed.""

"The fact is that today, the open web is already in rapid decline and Plaintiffs' divestiture proposalwould only accelerate that decline, harming publishers who currently rely on open-web displayadvertising revenue. As the law makes clear, the last thing a court should do is intervene to reshape an industry that is already in the midst of being reshaped by market forces."

Google previously argued that its AI products are not responsible for widespread web traffic declines, stating total click volume "has been relatively stable" and "average click quality has increased." Google criticized a study linking traffic declines to AI as methodologically flawed. In a court filing, Google asserts the open web is already in rapid decline and warns that the plaintiffs' divestiture proposal would accelerate that decline and harm publishers who rely on open-web display advertising revenue. Google argues courts should not intervene to reshape an industry already being reshaped by market forces. The stance contrasts with earlier statements that "the web is thriving."

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