Google’s AI Overviews could prove damaging for content creators and publishers

Today at the Google I/O developer conference, Google announced that AI Overviews (formerly known as Search Generative Experience) will begin rolling out to US audiences this week, despite its clear harm to content creators and independent publishers. This new experience prioritizes generative AI by providing information summaries based on existing content, bumping links to the original content towards the bottom of the page. 

At Raptive, we’re deeply concerned about the implications of AI Overviews. Our initial analysis suggests it will significantly reduce search traffic to content creators’ websites, directly impacting their ad revenue and, by extension, their livelihoods. As our CEO, Michael Sanchez, told The Washington Post, this change could put the future of the open internet in danger.

Creators and publishers rely on search traffic to build their brands, engage with audiences, and earn advertising revenue for their work. If AI Overviews doesn’t provide creators with direct links to their content in a way that—at minimum—reflects the structure of traditional search, it will have major implications for quality creator content on the open web. 

AI Overviews relies on content creators’ intellectual property, which raises serious questions about compensation and fairness. The current model does not adequately compensate creators for use of their work, nor does it align with the principles of fair use. Content creators are the backbone of a diverse and vibrant digital ecosystem, and their work deserves recognition and remuneration. 

At Raptive, we advocate for a digital landscape that supports and sustains the creative economy. We urge Google and other stakeholders in the industry to consider the long-term impact of their technologies on the creator community and to develop mechanisms that ensure creators are fairly compensated for the value they provide. As we move forward, Raptive remains committed to working with all parties to address these issues and to help shape an internet that remains open, equitable, and thriving for everyone.