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Google is actively defending its AI-powered summaries in search results, facing increasing scrutiny regarding their potential impact on website traffic and revenue streams for online publishers. A key Google representative asserted that user behavior is evolving, with a growing preference for contextual summaries, such as those provided by AI Overviews, over conventional search listings.

The debate is intensifying following a lawsuit filed by Penske Media Corporation, the parent company of Rolling Stone, which claims that AI Overviews are directly contributing to a reduction in search traffic and subsequent revenue losses. While Google reaffirms its dedication to fostering a “healthy ecosystem” that accommodates both AI-generated summaries and traditional search results, the company’s emphasis on AI is sparking uncertainty about the long-term viability of online publishing models and content monetization strategies.