Google launched AI Overviews in 2024, placing AI-generated summaries at the top of search results. By May 2024, these summaries appeared in nearly 25 percent of news-related searches. In May 2025, Google introduced AI Mode, a chatbot-like interface replacing standard search results.
Traffic to major publishers has declined since 2022. Similarweb data indicates search traffic to The New York Times dropped from 44 percent to 35.5 percent over three years. Between May and June 2025, 19 members of Digital Content Next reported traffic losses between 1 and 25 percent.
DMG Media reported that click-through rates fell by up to 89 percent between June and July 2025. Pew Research found that users are less likely to click on external links when AI Overviews are present. US District Judge Amit Mehta dismissed antitrust lawsuits from Chegg and Penske Media.
Google now allows publishers to opt out of AI features without affecting standard search visibility. The company is testing programs to compensate publishers for content usage, with 400 outlets, including CNN and The Washington Post, participating in its News AI pilot program.
