Google is asking publishers that join a test of new AI features in Google News to grant broad rights to use their content, including for AI model training, as their traffic from Google search drops sharply.
December 10, 2025 · Google AI Pilot
Take the AI Terms, or Lose the Money
Google is pressing news publishers to grant broad rights — including AI model training — for its new pilot program. With search referral traffic collapsing, publishers face a stark choice: accept the terms or walk away from payments.
Google Web Search Traffic to News Publishers
Search's share of publisher traffic nearly halved in two years.
58%
Drop in click-through rate linked to AI Overviews
~33%
2025 referral decline across 2,500+ news sites
$1B+
Google News Showcase paid to 1,000+ publishers
When an AI Overview Appears, Clicks to Traditional Results Drop
Roughly half of users stop clicking source links.
The Take-It-or-Leave-It Bind
Publishers must grant broad AI rights — or lose both Showcase revenue and AI-driven promotion.
Broad licensing including AI model training rights
Clauses to limit future liabilities
Declining risks losing News Showcase payments , slated to be phased out for some
Google's Framing
AI overviews and audio briefings add context while linking back to originals, building on a $1B+ Showcase framework meant to drive engaged audiences to publishers.
Publisher Concern
Accept broad AI rights amid already-falling traffic, or lose revenue and promotion. Some report 20–75%+ losses and are pivoting to direct subscriptions.
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