Meta is launching a new "AI Mode" for Facebook search that will generate AI-powered results based on public posts from its platforms. This feature, similar to Google's use of Reddit data, aims to provide answers grounded in user-generated content across Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
UK news publishers can now block their content from appearing in Google's AI summaries, following a ruling by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This move aims to give publishers more power to negotiate content deals with Google and address revenue concerns.
Google is testing a new Search Console toggle allowing webmasters to exclude their domains from AI Overviews and AI Mode. The feature will first roll out in the UK, with global expansion planned. Opting out will prevent traffic from generative AI features and won't affect standard search rankings.
DuckDuckGo has launched a Chrome extension, "No-AI Search," allowing users to opt out of AI features in search results. This move comes as Google integrates more AI into its search engine, drawing criticism. Brave and Mozilla are also offering ways for users to control AI integration in their products.
Google is integrating AI-generated ads into its search results, including "sponsored" conversational ads powered by Gemini. These ads will appear in AI Mode answers and recommendation lists, and also in standard search for shopping items and via Business Agent for Leads chatbots.
Google updated its spam policy to mark attempts to "manipulate" its AI model in search results as spam, including results in AI Overview or AI Mode in Search, as Search Engine Land reports: "In the context of Google Search, spam refers to techniques used to deceive users or manipulate our Search systems into featuring content […]
Google denies breaching the UK Online Safety Act despite promoting a banned US-based suicide forum linked to 164 UK deaths, accessible via search results with basic circumvention methods.
Google Search experienced a widespread outage, with users in various regions reporting a "Server Error" message. The error indicated an internal server issue preventing access to search results. Google engineers have been notified and are actively working to resolve the problem.
Spotify launched a 'Verified by Spotify' badge system to help listeners distinguish human musicians from AI-generated content. The green checkmark will appear on artist profiles meeting authenticity standards, while profiles primarily representing AI-generated music will be ineligible. The initiative comes as Deezer reported synthetic tracks now comprise 44% of daily uploads, and Sony Music has sought takedown of over 135,000 AI-produced songs mimicking its artists.
