by Willow Tohi | Natural News Google confirmed it uses web content to train AI-powered search features (e.g., Gemini) even when publishers opt out, as its search division operates under different rules than general AI training policies. To fully block AI training, publishers must opt out of Google Search indexing via robots.txt. But this renders their content invisible in search results, harming traffic and ad revenue. The Justice Department proposes drastic measures, including forcing Google to divest Chrome, end default-search payments, and share search/AI data with competitors to curb dominance. Publishers and authors accuse Google and OpenAI of exploiting copyrighted […]

by Willow Tohi | Natural News Google’s AI-powered search results (AI Overviews) have drastically reduced traffic to independent websites, with some publishers seeing drops of 70% or more. Small businesses, like DIY site Charleston Crafted, report revenue losses in the tens of thousands. AI Overviews display summarized answers directly on Google, reducing the need for users to visit source websites. Publishers note fewer click-throughs, cutting into ad revenue and sales, forcing some businesses to shut down. Google claims traffic fluctuations stem from multiple factors, not just AI, but publishers counter with data showing declines correlate with AI Overviews’ rollout. Concerns […]