UK publishers fear Google AI summaries hit revenues

Reach and DMG Media warn Google’s AI summaries undermine journalism by removing incentives for readers to visit their sites.
UK publishers say Google’s AI Overviews are slashing traffic, with some reporting click-through rates down by nearly 90%.

UK publishers warn that Google’s AI Overviews significantly cut website traffic, threatening fragile online revenues.

Reach, owner of the Mirror and Daily Express, said readers often settle for the AI summary instead of visiting its sites. DMG Media told regulators that click-through rates had fallen by up to 89% since the rollout.

Publishers argue that they provide accurate reporting that fuels Google’s search results, yet they see no financial return when users no longer click through. Concerns are growing over Google’s conversational AI Mode, which displays even fewer links.

Google insists that search traffic has remained stable year-on-year and claims that AI overviews offer users more opportunities to find quality links. Still, a coalition of publishers has filed a complaint with the UK Competition and Markets Authority, alleging misuse of their content.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!