Google has begun integrating AI-generated summaries into its Discover feed, available on iOS and Android in the US, focusing on trending lifestyle topics. These summaries, compiled from multiple sources, aim to provide users with concise overviews. Google claims this helps users choose which pages to visit, but publishers worry it will reduce traffic to their sites.
This move follows a broader trend of AI integration by tech companies, intensifying concerns about the impact on independent journalism. The rollout occurs during a period of declining referrals from search engines, exacerbating challenges for media outlets. Some publishers have reported significant drops in organic click-through rates following the launch of similar AI features. The industry is advocating for measures to allow content creators to opt out of AI summarisation.
Discover, which reaches millions through the Google app and Chrome, has been a key traffic source for lifestyle and entertainment content. The introduction of AI summaries risks turning the feed into a self-contained ecosystem, potentially harming publishers who rely on Discover for a substantial portion of their traffic.
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