If you own a website, Google just handed you a decision that could affect your traffic. On June 3rd 2026 Google launched a toggle inside Search Console that lets publishers choose whether their content appears in AI Overviews and AI Mode. It’s the first time website owners have had this level of control — and if you run a UK based website you may already have access to it.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Google AI Overviews?
If you’ve used Google recently you’ve noticed the AI generated summary that appears above the organic search results. That’s an AI Overview — Google’s way of answering questions directly on the search results page using content from across the web.
Google’s Gemini 3 now powers these overviews globally. Search is shifting from a list of links to a direct AI generated answer — with selective citations to source websites.
For users it’s convenient. For website owners it’s complicated — when Google answers a question directly fewer people click through to the websites that provided the information.
What Changed on June 3rd 2026?
Google launched two things simultaneously:
1. New AI Performance Reports in Search Console A dedicated section showing how often your content appears in AI Overviews and AI Mode. Previously this data was mixed in with regular search data — now you can see it separately. This is available to UK website owners first before a global rollout.
2. An Opt-Out Toggle A switch that lets you prevent your content from appearing in AI Overviews and AI Mode entirely. Crucially — opting out does not affect your rankings in regular Google Search. Your organic positions stay exactly where they are.
The opt-out becomes enforceable from June 17th 2026.
Why Is This Happening?
This isn’t something Google did voluntarily. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority issued a binding order under the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act 2024 requiring Google to give publishers these controls.
The UK is the first market to get this — global rollout follows after UK testing.
Should You Opt Out?
This is what every website owner is asking. The honest answer depends on your situation.
Stay opted IN if:
- Your site earns through affiliate links or product recommendations
- You want the visibility and authority that comes from being cited in AI Overviews
- You run an informational or review site
- Visitors who do click through are likely to be highly engaged
Consider opting OUT if:
- Your entire business model depends on page views and display advertising
- You produce premium content that loses value when summarised
- You run a subscription based publication
For most AI tools review sites: Staying opted in is the right call. Being cited in AI Overviews builds authority. The visitors who click through are specifically looking for more detail — exactly the kind of reader who engages with affiliate links.
How to Find the New AI Reports in Search Console
- Go to search.google.com/search-console
- Sign in with your Google account
- Look for the Generative AI section in the left sidebar
- Check your impressions within AI Overviews and AI Mode
Google launched dedicated Generative AI performance reports in Search Console on June 3rd 2026. The feature is currently rolling out gradually to UK website owners first before a global rollout. If you can’t see it yet in your Search Console don’t worry — it will appear automatically as the rollout continues. Look for a Generative AI section in the left sidebar when it becomes available.
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For website owners and content creators:
- Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick — essential reading for understanding how AI is reshaping search and online content
- Logitech MX Keys Wireless Keyboard — a quality keyboard makes managing your website and creating content significantly more comfortable
- Monitor for Home Office — more screen space makes managing Search Console and WordPress simultaneously much easier
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