The development could significantly impact businesses disrupted by AI-generated responses, with ongoing coverage of Google’s AI practices.

A key part of Google’s response is that website owners should have clear rights and controls over how their content is used.

Google is building new search controls to let websites opt out of its generative AI features, part of addressing CMA competition concerns in the UK.

Additional controls would allow sites to opt out of generative AI features in Search, as Google seeks to balance innovation with publisher and user rights.

These opt-out controls are framed as a response to CMA concerns about Google’s dominance in UK search.

Google argues some CMA conduct requirements could have disproportionate, negative consequences for users, publishers, and innovation, but indicates willingness to cooperate on practical solutions.

Both Google and the CMA express willingness to work toward practical solutions that benefit users, publishers, and businesses across the UK, including opt-outs and default-switch updates.

The parties emphasize collaboration to implement fairer, more usable digital rules for the British public.

The CMA has proposed measures to boost publisher and consumer choices, including opt-outs for content use in AI Overviews and for training standalone AI models, as well as fair, transparent ranking and easier switching between search engines.

Publishers would be allowed to opt out of their content being used in Google’s AI features and to train standalone AI models, addressing concerns that current use monetizes content without adequate consent or compensation.

Google relies on crawled content to power its AI Overviews, AI mode, and Gemini, and the CMA’s proposals aim to give publishers control over content use and ensure fair competition in search.

Google handles more than 90% of UK search queries, underscoring how CMA-backed changes could reshape market dynamics and user experience.