Google updates search spam policies to clarify it applies to generative AI responses

Google updates its search spam policies to clarify that those policies also apply to Google’s generative AI responses within Google Search. Google is saying that if you use these spam techniques to show your site or brand within AI Overviews, AI Mode or other AI responses, that would be considered spam and Google can take action.

What changed. Google updated the introductory line to say:

• “In the context of Google Search, spam refers to techniques used to deceive users or manipulate our Search systems into featuring content prominently, such as attempting to manipulate Search systems into ranking content highly or attempting to manipulate generative Al responses in Google Search.”

Previously, that line said:

• “In the context of Google Search, spam refers to techniques used to deceive users or manipulate our Search systems into ranking content highly.”

Here is a screenshot of the addition:

Why we care. There is a lot of advice out there about how to rank and be cited within the AI search engines. Some of that advice may be against Google’s spam policies. So make sure to read those policies and ensure you are not using any spamming techniques to perform within Google’s generative AI responses within Search.

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