Key Points
- Google will add inline source links to AI Mode search results.
- AI‑generated descriptions will appear above a carousel of source links.
- The update follows a European Commission investigation into AI content usage.
- Pilot programs with The Guardian, Washington Post, Washington Examiner, and AP are underway.
- AI overviews will be tested in Google News and the Gemini app.
- Preferred source selection expands globally for English‑speaking users.
- Web Guide receives speed improvements and broader query coverage.
Expanded Source Transparency in AI Mode
Google is preparing to enhance its AI‑driven search experience, known as AI Mode, by embedding more in‑line links to the original sources that power its answers. The company’s update will display a concise AI‑written snippet that explains why each source is relevant, positioned directly above a carousel of clickable links. This approach aims to give users clearer insight into the origin of the information presented by the AI.
Context of Regulatory Scrutiny
The timing of the update coincides with an investigation launched by the European Commission. Regulators are examining whether Google’s AI features may be violating competition rules by using content from web publishers without offering appropriate compensation. Google’s move to surface source links could be seen as a response to calls for greater transparency.
Publisher Pilot Programs
Alongside the source‑link rollout, Google is testing new partnerships with several prominent news organizations. The pilot includes The Guardian, The Washington Post, and the Washington Examiner, which will explore how AI can drive more engaged audiences. One experiment involves displaying AI‑generated overviews of articles within Google News, while another leverages real‑time information from the Associated Press and other outlets in the Gemini app.
Broader AI Feature Enhancements
Google also announced several related initiatives. It is expanding access to “preferred sources” globally, allowing English‑speaking users to select news outlets they want to see in top‑story rankings. A new feature will highlight links from users’ news subscriptions in a dedicated carousel. These changes are slated to appear first in the Gemini app before rolling out to AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Improvements to Web Guide
In the Search Labs experiment known as Web Guide, Google is using Gemini AI to organize search results into AI‑generated categories. The company reports that Web Guide now loads twice as fast and will be available for a broader set of queries.
Looking Ahead
Google’s suite of updates reflects a broader strategy to blend AI capabilities with greater source transparency and publisher collaboration. While the European Commission’s investigation continues, the company’s emphasis on linking directly to original content may address some regulatory concerns and provide users with clearer context for AI‑generated answers.
Source: theverge.com