Overview
- Google's AI Mode, now available to all U.S. users, delivers AI-generated answers in a chatbot-style interface, bypassing traditional search links.
- The News/Media Alliance, representing over 2,000 publishers, has labeled the feature 'theft,' citing reduced web traffic and revenue for news outlets.
- Internal documents reveal Google used publisher content in AI responses without seeking consent, forcing publishers to opt out of Search entirely to avoid inclusion.
- Google has begun testing ad integration within AI Mode responses to monetize the feature, raising concerns over further revenue diversion from publishers.
- Publishers are urging the Department of Justice to address AI Mode's impact as part of ongoing antitrust proceedings against Google.