Google introduces AI opt-out controls to address UK competition concerns over search dominance

Google to allow AI opt-out to ease UK competition concerns

LONDON, March 18 (Reuters) - Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab said on Wednesday it was developing new search controls to let websites opt out of its generative AI features, as the U.S. tech giant sought to address the British competition regulator's concerns about its dominance in search services. The company also proposed "a less intrusive" switch in a user's device settings to make it easier to change the default search engine, rather than frequent pop-ups, which ⁠it said would annoy users. Britain's Competition and Markets Authority in October designated Google as having "strategic market status" in search services, meaning the watchdog could intervene to ensure effective competition in the sector. Google, which accounts for more than 90% of UK search queries, uses content harvested by its search crawler to build its AI Overviews and AI mode, as well as standalone products like its Gemini AI assistant. 'DISPROPORTIONATE CONSEQUENCES' FOR USERS? In January, the UK regulator outlined measures to boost choices for ⁠businesses and consumers, including allowing publishers to opt out of having their content used in AI Overviews or to train standalone AI models. It also wanted to ensure that the ranking of search results was fair and transparent, and make it easier for people to choose ⁠other search engines. News websites and other publishers have seen click-through rates plummet as a result of users relying on overviews generated with the help of AI. In a response published on ⁠the CMA's website, Google said some of the proposed conduct requirements would have "disproportionate and detrimental consequences" for users, publishers and businesses, and its "ability to innovate ⁠and invest in the UK." Google said it would continue to work constructively with the CMA to find "practical solutions that benefit users, publishers, and businesses across the UK." Reporting by Muvija M, Editing by Paul Sandle and Bernadette Baum Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab * Suggested Topics: * Boards, Policy & Regulation

Google to allow AI opt-out to ease UK competition concerns

Google is creating new search controls. Websites can now choose to avoid its generative AI features. This move addresses concerns from Britain's competition regulator about Google's search dominance. The company also plans simpler ways for users to change their default search engine. This aims to boost competition and user choice in the UK search market. Google said on Wednesday it was developing new search controls to let websites opt out of its generative AI features, as the U.S. tech giant sought to address the British competition regulator's concerns about its dominance in search services. The company also proposed "a less intrusive" switch in a user's device ⁠settings to ⁠make it easier to change the default search engine, rather than frequent pop-ups, which it said would annoy users. Britain's Competition and Markets Authority in October designated Google as having "strategic market status" in search services, meaning the watchdog could intervene to ensure effective competition in the sector. Google, which accounts for more than 90% of UK search ⁠queries, uses content harvested by its search crawler to build its AI Overviews and AI mode, as well as standalone ⁠products like its Gemini AI assistant. In January, the UK regulator outlined measures to boost choices for businesses and consumers, including allowing publishers to opt out of having their content used in AI Overviews or to train standalone AI models. It also wanted to ensure that the ranking of search results was fair and transparent, and make it easier for people to choose other search engines. News websites and other publishers have seen click-through rates plummet as a result of users relying on ⁠overviews generated with the help of AI. In a response published on the CMA's website, Google said some of the proposed conduct requirements would have "disproportionate and detrimental consequences" for users, publishers and businesses, and its "ability to innovate and invest in the UK." Google said it would continue to work constructively with the CMA to find "practical solutions that benefit users, publishers, and businesses across the UK."

Google to allow AI opt-out to ease UK competition concerns

LONDON, March 18 (Reuters) - Google said on Wednesday it was developing new search controls to let websites opt out of its generative AI features, as the U.S. tech giant sought to address the British competition regulator's concerns about its dominance in search services. The company also proposed "a less intrusive" switch in a user's device settings to make it easier to change the default search engine, rather than frequent pop-ups, which it said would annoy users. Britain's Competition and Markets Authority in October designated Google as having "strategic market status" in search services, meaning the watchdog could intervene to ensure effective competition in the sector. Google, which accounts for more than 90% of UK search queries, uses content harvested by its search crawler to build its AI Overviews and AI mode, as well as standalone products like its Gemini AI assistant. 'DISPROPORTIONATE CONSEQUENCES' FOR USERS? In January, the UK regulator outlined measures to boost choices for businesses and consumers, including allowing publishers to opt out of having their content used in AI Overviews or to train standalone AI models. It also wanted to ensure that the ranking of search results was fair and transparent, and make it easier for people to choose other search engines. News websites and other publishers have seen click-through rates plummet as a result of users relying on overviews generated with the help of AI. In a response published on the CMA's website, Google said some of the proposed conduct requirements would have "disproportionate and detrimental consequences" for users, publishers and businesses, and its "ability to innovate and invest in the UK." Google said it would continue to work constructively with the CMA to find "practical solutions that benefit users, publishers, and businesses across the UK." (Reporting by Muvija M, Editing by Paul Sandle and Bernadette Baum)