AI-generated photoCMA recomends an 'Opt-out' optionGoogle responds: 'Don't Break Search'The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is moving to significantly loosen Google’s alleged control over the digital landscape. The watchdog has proposed new regulations that would grant publishers power over how their content can be used by the tech giant’s AI feature – AI Overviews. The tech giant has also been asked to demonstrate that its search and AI rankings are "fair and transparent" for businesses. Ron Eden, Google’s Principal for Product Management, defended the company’s existing model.“For years, we have provided web publishers with a range of controls based on open standards . to manage how their content appears in Search,” said Ron Eden, Google’s principal for product management.“Any new controls need to avoid breaking Search in a way that leads to a fragmented or confusing experience for people,” Eden warned.

Source: The Times January 28, 2026 18:42 UTC