Google AI Giving Headache To Websites?

All the while, websites used to serve as the crucial data pool for information and communications. But the introduction of the Google AI for information has become a major bane in the website industry.

Google’s AI Overviews are short, AI-generated answers that appear at the top of Google Search results. Instead of just showing website links, Google now provides a summary of information using artificial intelligence. This feature helps users get quick answers without needing to click on different websites.

These summaries were first introduced as part of an experiment called Search Generative Experience in 2023. In May 2024, they officially became a regular part of Google Search under the name “AI Overviews.” They are now available in more than 100 countries, including India, and support many languages. Users can even choose how simple or detailed they want the answers to be.

While helpful for users, AI Overviews have caused problems for many websites and publishers. Since users get the answers directly from Google, fewer people are visiting the original websites. This has led to a big drop in web traffic and ad income for many news and content publishers. Some companies in Europe have even filed legal complaints against Google, saying it’s unfair and hurting their business.

There are also concerns about copyright. Some people say Google is using their content without permission. However, Google says they include links to the original sources, so the creators still get credit. Another issue is accuracy sometimes the AI gives wrong or strange answers, like once suggesting to add glue to pizza. Google says these mistakes are rare and it is working to improve the system.

Overall, Google’s AI Overviews aim to make search faster and easier. But they are also changing how people use the internet and raising serious concerns among publishers, regulators, and users alike.