Publishers asked to weigh in on Google AI content opt-out

EU antitrust regulators are asking publishers to judge whether Google’s proposed AI search opt-out would actually protect them. A questionnaire seen by Reuters asks whether publishers would block their content from being used in AI search while keeping their existing rankings.

The responses could help shape an ongoing European Union investigation. Regulators are examining whether Google’s proposal addresses competition concerns and publishers’ worries that the company is using their content unfairly. Google announced the opt-out in June and plans to introduce it globally. The company declined to comment, referring instead to a June 3 blog post.

The questionnaire, sent in July with an August 28 deadline, asks publishers whether they would use the opt-out and what factors would influence that decision. It also seeks views on changes Google announced in May, including plans to combine AI Overviews and AI Mode in a single AI Search experience.

Publishers have complained that AI Overviews, which place generated summaries above traditional search links, could reduce traffic and revenue. Google, the world’s most popular search engine, has received more than 10 billion euros in EU antitrust fines for various violations over almost two decades.