Google will display links more prominently within AI Overviews and AI Mode in Search.
Google is adjusting the display of links in its AI search results after publishers complained about declining traffic due to AI Overviews.
Increased visibility for sources
On desktop, a pop-up window with a list of sources will now appear when users hover their mouse over a cited link. This will display a short article description and an image. Google is also introducing clearer and more prominent link icons on both desktop and mobile.
Robby Stein, Vice President of Google Search, states that internal tests show users find web content more easily through the new interface.
Pressure from publishers and Europe
The adjustment comes after heavy criticism from news media and online publishers, who feel that AI Overviews are diverting traffic away from their websites. Additionally, the European Commission is examining how Google uses publisher content in AI responses and whether there is sufficient compensation in return.