UK regulator proposes changes to Google search for publishers

LONDON, Jan 28 (Reuters) – Britain’s competition regulator on Wednesday proposed a package ​of measures that it said would ‌improve Google search services in the country, including making ‌sure publishers get a fairer deal over how their content is used in the engine’s AI overviews.

Google said in response it was “exploring” ⁠updates to ‌its controls to let sites specifically opt out of search generative ‍AI features.

“Any new controls need to avoid breaking search in a way that leads to a ​fragmented or confusing experience for people,” ‌it said.

“We’re optimistic we can find a path forward that provides even more choice to website owners and publishers, while ensuring people continue to get the most helpful ⁠and innovative Search experience ​possible.”

Google was the first ​company to be targeted by the regulator’s new powers to tackle the ‍dominance of ⁠big tech when it designated Google as having “strategic market status” in October, ⁠allowing it to step in on some issues.

(Reporting ‌by Muvija M and Paul Sandle, ‌editing by Sarah Young)