Google’s AI search results will make links more obvious

Google announced changes to make source links more visible within its AI-powered search features, AI Overviews and AI Mode. Robby Stein, VP of Google Search, stated that a list of links, complete with descriptions and accompanying images, will now appear in a pop-up when users hover over cited sources in these features on desktop. Google will also introduce "more descriptive and prominent link icons" across desktop and mobile AI responses. These updates aim to make the user interface more engaging and facilitate access to external web content. This move comes amid ongoing concerns that AI search results are reducing traffic to publishers, a situation Google acknowledges as the open web being in "rapid decline." Furthermore, the company is exploring options for publishers to opt out of appearing in AI search features following an investigation by the European Commission regarding competition rules.

(Source：The Verge)