- Google is testing AI-generated search answers in the UK following US trials.
- Publishers are concerned about reduced site visits due to comprehensive AI responses.
- Google emphasises accuracy over fluency in AI-generated overviews to address potential issues like bias and misinformation.
Google has initiated trials of AI-generated search answers in the UK, following US testing last year. Initially, a limited number of logged-in UK users will encounter AI-generated overviews atop certain search results.
Concerns from publishers centre around potential decreases in site visits due to comprehensive AI responses, which could negate the need for website visits by users.
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The UK trial will involve a subset of logged-in users
The “Search Generative Experience,” as termed by Google, has been available in the US for nearly a year, initially via Google Labs sign-ups. The UK trial will involve a subset of logged-in users, aimed at evaluating user response and functionality.
Notably, Google refuted claims of considering an ad-free search experience and emphasised its commitment to directing traffic to content creators.
It aims to provide enhanced search experiences
The AI-generated overviews aim to provide enhanced search experiences, with Google emphasising accuracy over fluency to mitigate potential issues like bias and misinformation.
Users are encouraged to provide feedback as part of this experimental phase, reflecting Google’s dedication to refining and improving the feature.
Despite positive responses from US users, challenges remain, including environmental considerations related to the energy consumption of large-scale AI systems.
