UK regulator proposes changes to Google search for publishers

LONDON, United Kingdom – Britain’s competition regulator on Wednesday, January 28, proposed a package of measures that it said would improve Google search services in the country, including making sure publishers get a fairer deal over how their content is used in the engine’s AI overviews.

Google said in response it was “exploring” updates to its controls to let sites specifically opt out of search generative AI features.

“Any new controls need to avoid breaking search in a way that leads to a fragmented or confusing experience for people,” it said.

“We’re optimistic we can find a path forward that provides even more choice to website owners and publishers, while ensuring people continue to get the most helpful and innovative Search experience possible.”

Google was the first company to be targeted by the regulator’s new powers to tackle the dominance of big tech when it designated Google as having “strategic market status” in October, allowing it to step in on some issues. – Rappler.com