Google denies AI Overviews are cutting website traffic in new report amid rising concerns

In a bold response to mounting concerns, Google has refuted allegations that its AI Overviews and other AI-driven search functionalities are drastically diminishing website traffic. This assertion comes despite numerous independent studies indicating a different trend. Liz Reid, Google's Vice President and Head of Search, published a blog post asserting that the total organic click volume from Google Search to external websites has remained 'relatively stable' over the past year. She emphasized that the search engine is now providing more 'quality clicks,' which are defined as visits where users linger on the page instead of quickly returning to search results. Reid contended that many reports highlighting declining traffic are based on flawed methodologies or focus on isolated cases, often overlooking unrelated changes that preceded the introduction of AI features. While Google has not disclosed specific data to back its claims, it acknowledged a shift in user behavior. Some websites are experiencing reduced traffic, while others have seen increases. Reid pointed out that users are increasingly gravitating towards forums, videos, podcasts, and first-hand accounts, which may play a role in determining which sites attract traffic. Moreover, Reid presented AI Overviews as a potential boon for publishers, asserting that the feature presents more links per page, thereby enhancing the likelihood of websites being featured in search results. However, independent research offers a contrasting perspective. An analysis by the Pew Research Center revealed that searches incorporating an AI Overview result in a significant drop in click-through rates, falling from 15% to 8%, with only 1% of these searches leading to clicks on the cited sources. Additionally, Similarweb reported a staggering 55% decline in search-driven traffic to websites from April 2022 to April 2025, with news and content publishers being particularly affected. Publishers have expressed longstanding concerns that Google’s shift towards providing direct answers in search results diminishes the necessity for users to click through to external sites. Major news sources have reported that organic traffic from Google has plummeted by more than half in recent years, coinciding with the launch of AI-generated summaries. Nonetheless, Google insists that AI is not altering the search landscape to the extent that critics claim, affirming that it still directs billions of clicks to websites each day.