Google Poised for Major Ranking Update Amid Spam Crackdown

Lily Ray, founder of Algorythmic and vice-president of SEO and AI search at Amsive, has argued that Google is preparing a significant ranking update. Her prediction, outlined in an essay published on October 4, 2026, is based on four spam updates in 2026, recent documentation changes, and remarks from Google staff at a developer event in Barcelona.

Ray's analysis highlights a 38% reduction in self-ranking citations in Google AI Overviews, particularly for businesses that rank themselves first on their own 'best of' pages. She notes that brands were excluded from recommendations in 83% of AI answers citing those pages. The essay emphasizes that Google's updated guidelines now clearly define what it considers low-quality content, leaving no ambiguity for site owners.

Key changes include additions to Google's generative AI guide on October 1, stressing the need for manual fact-checking of AI-generated content. On October 2, Google updated its 'Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content' document, broadening the definition of main content and introducing four qualities for quality assessment: effort, originality, talent or skill, and accuracy. The updates also warn against fabricating creator profiles, describing it as a form of deception.

Ray's prediction is grounded in her extensive experience working with companies affected by Google's algorithmic and manual actions. She has previously accurately forecasted major enforcement actions against AI-generated content. Her interpretation of the timing suggests Google is preparing to act, having already issued warnings through its documentation.