Google has introduced a new search feature powered by generative AI, called Search Generative Experience (SGE). SGE uses AI to create summaries in response to specific search queries, providing users with quick and concise information at the top of the search results page. However, this new tool is raising concerns among publishers who worry about its impact on web traffic, credit for information, and the accuracy of the summaries. Publishers are also pushing for compensation for their content used by Google and other AI companies to train their AI tools.
While Google claims that SGE is designed to highlight web content and to support a healthy, open web, publishers are concerned that the new tool may decrease organic traffic to their websites. This is due to the possibility that users may find all the necessary information in the AI-generated summaries and not click on the links provided by publishers. Publishers, who heavily rely on Google search traffic for advertising revenue, are unsure of how to ensure they are part of the new AI section and how to optimize their websites for SGE. Although Google has provided publishers with the option to block their content from being used to train AI models, this does not apply to SGE.
The introduction of SGE reflects the increasing dominance of AI in how users find and consume information, which raises questions about publishers’ role and sustainable business models in the future. Publishers are seeking clearer guidelines and compensation for their content used in AI tools, but the extent to which Google will address these concerns remains uncertain. As SGE continues to evolve, publishers are apprehensive about its potential impact on their web traffic, credibility, and revenue.
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