Google's AI search upended online publishing traffic

The Verge detailed how AI Overviews and AI Mode have cut referral traffic to publishers: DMG Media reported click-through rates dropping up to 89% in June–July 2025, and 19 DCN members lost 1–25% of Google traffic. Google says click volume is stable and runs a News AI pilot with 400 publishers.

• DMG Media told UK regulators CTR fell up to 89% in summer 2025
• 19 DCN members lost 1–25% of Google traffic in June 2025
• Pew found users are less likely to click links when AI Overviews appear
• Google's News AI pilot includes 400 publishers such as CNN and the Washington Post