LONDON, Jan 29 — Regulatory Changes for Google’s AI Use
In a notable development in the realm of digital oversight, Britain’s competition authority has put forth a proposal allowing websites to exclude their content from being utilized in Google’s “AI Overviews.” This initiative seeks to address the pervasive influence of the technology behemoth in the online search landscape.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) previously laid the groundwork in October for more stringent regulations aimed at major tech entities, implementing targeted measures to rein in their dominance.
Following an extensive nine-month investigation, the CMA conferred “strategic market status” (SMS) upon Google, thereby imposing specific obligations designed to mitigate monopolistic practices.
In remarks made on Wednesday, CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell asserted that the regulator’s current proposal, which remains open for consultation until February 25, “would empower UK businesses and consumers with greater choice and control over their engagement with Google’s search functionalities.”
Cardell further elaborated that it signifies “a more equitable arrangement for content creators, particularly news organizations, regarding the utilization of their material within Google’s AI features.”
The CMA’s proposal affirms that publishers should possess the autonomy to opt out of allowing their content to support AI functionalities, including AI Overviews or the training of AI models beyond the scope of Google search.
Moreover, it mandates that Google implement tangible measures to ensure proper attribution of publisher content in AI-generated outcomes.
Media outlets, alongside other content publishers, have voiced concerns that AI systems capitalize on their material without providing adequate compensation, undermining the value of their original content.
Furthermore, they contend that AI-produced summaries diminish the likelihood of users clicking through to their websites, thereby adversely impacting traffic and, ultimately, advertising earnings.
Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, articulated the pervasive issue: “Google extracts valuable insights without reciprocal compensation, placing publishers at a disadvantage and affording the company an undue edge within the AI model arena.”
‘Confusing Experience’ for Users
According to the CMA, Google’s search engine commands over 90 percent of online queries in the UK, underscoring its significant market presence.
Additionally, more than 200,000 enterprises across the UK depend on Google search advertising to connect with potential customers.
In response to the regulator’s announcement, Google indicated its ongoing exploration of enhancements to its controls “to enable specific site opt-outs from search generative AI features.”
Ron Eden, the company’s principal for product management, noted, “Any new controls must ensure that search remains coherent, avoiding a fragmented or confusing user experience.”
Among other proposals, the CMA recommends the introduction of an interface to ease the alteration of users’ default search engines, alongside rules that guarantee fair ranking criteria, which Google is expected to validate.
Will Hayter, executive director for digital markets at the CMA, asserted in a blog post that “These measures will empower publishers—including news and diverse content creators—with enhanced bargaining power, fostering long-term sustainability for reliable online information.”
He added, “They will also aid users in verifying sources within AI-generated results while fostering trust in the information presented.”
The UK’s intensified regulatory framework draws inspiration from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates compliance from several tech giants, including Apple, Google, and Meta.
According to its website, Google employs over 7,000 individuals in the UK.
Source link: Malaymail.com.
