Key facts
- Google must allow news sites to opt out of content scraping for AI services in the UK.
- The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued the order.
- Google must provide publishers with tools to prevent content use in AI features.
- Google must cite publisher content with clear links in AI-generated results.
- The CMA previously found AI Overviews reduced traffic to original articles.
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has ordered Google to provide news publishers with effective tools to prevent their online content from being scraped for use in AI services, including AI Overviews and AI Mode. This decision, described as a "world first," aims to increase transparency and give publishers more leverage in content negotiations with Google. The CMA's ruling follows its previous finding that AI Overviews led to a drop in traffic for news sites. Google stated it is testing new controls for website owners regarding their content in generative AI search features. The CMA's Chief Executive, Sarah Cardell, emphasized that the measures will ensure fair treatment and greater trust in information presented to British users.