Imagine having control over how Google uses your content for AI features like AI Overviews and AI Mode. In 2026, new measures being explored by Google and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) could give site owners this power — helping publishers protect their content while maintaining fair search visibility.
Google’s Plan to Let Publishers Opt Out
- Briefly summarize Google’s announcement.
- Mention that Google is exploring updates to give websites the ability to opt out of AI features without breaking search functionality.
- Include a direct quote from Google blog for authority:
“We are currently reviewing ways to update our controls so that websites can directly opt out of Search’s generative AI features.”
Why the CMA Is Involved
- Explain the role of UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
- Mention CMA’s roadmap for publishers’ content rights, fair ranking, and data portability.
- Highlight that CMA wants transparency and choice in AI search results.
Optional external authority link:
CMA Digital Market Initiatives
What Controls Are Being Proposed
Publisher Controls
- Sites can choose whether their content is used in AI Overviews.
- Can control usage for AI training models outside Search.
Fair Ranking Measures
- Google must demonstrate fairness in AI search rankings.
- Mechanism for publishers to report ranking or AI issues.
Choice Screens & Data Portability
- Android and Chrome may get default choice screens.
- Data portability ensures publishers and users can move search data.
Why This Matters for Publishers & SEOs
- Highlight the importance for content owners, SEOs, and digital marketers.
- New controls give more autonomy, protect content, and prevent misuse.
- Helps maintain trust, transparency, and fair visibility in search.
When Can We Expect These Controls?
- Clarify timeline is not confirmed yet.
- Emphasize that any new controls must not break Google Search functionality.
- Encourage site owners to stay updated and monitor Google announcements.
Key Takeaways for Publishers
- Google is moving towards more choice and fairness.
- Website owners could soon control whether their content appears in AI features such as AI Mode and AI Overviews.
- Stay proactive: review CMS, robots.txt, structured data, and AI usage policies.
Conclusion
The AI-driven evolution of search is inevitable, but with these upcoming controls, publishers finally have a chance to protect their content and decide how AI interacts with their websites. Stay informed, prepare your sites, and get ready for a more transparent AI search ecosystem.
