UK publishers gain power to block Google AI use of their content

UK media groups have been granted the power to prevent their content from being used to train Google's artificial intelligence models and to power its AI-driven search summaries. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced new conduct requirements for search services, which aim to strengthen publishers' negotiating positions with Google.

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Publishers will now have effective tools to prevent their content being used to power AI features in search, such as AI Overviews.

Publishers will now have effective tools to block their content from being used for AI features like AI Overviews. The CMA's decision follows its designation of Google with strategic market status in general search services. This designation allows the watchdog to implement targeted rules to ensure fair dealing, open choices, and transparency in Google's search activities.

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This will put publishers, like news organisations, in a stronger position to negotiate content deals with Google.

In addition to the opt-out for AI training, Google is now required to properly attribute publisher content in AI-generated search results through clear links. Sarah Cardell, the CMA's chief executive, stated that these requirements are designed to address Google's current and future search business changes. The CMA will actively monitor Google's compliance and indicated that further actions regarding Google's search business will be announced soon.

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To boost consumer trust, Google is also now required to make sure that publisher content is properly attributed, using clear links, in AI‑generated search results.