Google Explores Specific Opt-Out for AI Overviews and AI Mode

Since the launch of AI Overviews, publishers have been in a tough spot. To stay out of Google’s AI summaries, site owners previously had to use “heavy hammers” like nosnippet (which ruins their traditional search appearance) or block Googlebot entirely (which removes them from search results).

The proposed update aims to create a third path: letting you stay in the “blue links” while keeping your content out of the AI’s generative responses.

Key Details from Google’s Announcement

In a blog post titled “Our approach to website controls for Search AI features,” Google laid out its current thinking:

• CMA Driven: The move is a direct response to the UK’s new Digital Markets regime, which designated Google with “Strategic Market Status” in search.
• Non-Disruptive Goal: Google emphasized that any new control must avoid “breaking Search” or creating a “fragmented experience” for users.
• Scalable Standards: Like robots.txt or Google-Extended, the new controls are expected to be simple and scalable for webmasters to implement.

Why This is a Major Win for Publishers

For years, the industry has argued that AI Overviews cannibalize traffic by answering queries on the search page.

• Attribution vs. Usage: While Google has added link cards, many creators feel their intellectual property is being used to keep users on Google.
• Selective Control: A specific opt-out would allow a medical site, for example, to appear in search results but prevent an AI from summarizing its complex (and potentially sensitive) advice.
• Fair Value Exchange: The CMA’s goal is to ensure a “fairer deal” for publishers. If Google wants to use your data for AI, it may eventually have to provide better incentives or risk mass opt-outs.

The Current “Workarounds” (Until the Update Arrives)

Since the new controls are still in the “exploring” phase, site owners are currently limited to:

1. nosnippet tag: Prevents Google from showing a snippet or using the page in AI Overviews, but also hides the description in regular search.
2. data-nosnippet attribute: Allows you to wrap specific parts of a page to keep just those parts out of AI summaries.
3. Google-Extended: Currently only blocks the training of Gemini models; it does not stop your content from appearing in AI Overviews.

What’s Next in the Regulatory Timeline?

The CMA is moving fast. We expect:

• March 2026: Google will likely provide more technical specifics on the opt-out mechanism.
• Mid-2026: The CMA is scheduled to finalize its “Conduct Requirements,” which will legally mandate how Google handles publisher content and fair ranking.