Google Expands AI Overviews, Igniting Publisher Backlash

Google's AI Overviews have been making headlines since their rollout in May 2024. Some users have complained about being unable to easily remove the feature, while major publishers like Penske Media and Independent Publishers Alliance have pushed back against its potential impact on their revenues.

Now, Google is expanding the depth and detail of AI Overviews it displays via Google Search. For select searches, some users report that the 'Show More' button has been removed, with results jumping right into AI Mode and pushing blue links further down the page.

According to users on social media, Google is displaying full AI responses, comparable to what they'd see if they enabled AI Mode. The pages also sometimes automatically load the 'Ask anything' box, which allows users to enter additional prompts and questions on the subject.