Report: 60% of UK News Sites See Google Search Visibility Drop in 2025

Report: 60% of UK News Sites See Google Search Visibility Drop in 2025
Above: Copies of The Guardian newspaper displayed at a newspaper stand in Bath, England, on Nov. 12, 2024. Image copyright: Anna Barclay/Getty Images

The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Google is systematically destroying the news industry by stealing journalists' work to power AI Overviews that devastate website traffic and revenue. The tech giant deliberately chose to force publishers into this exploitative system, knowing it would harm their business while boosting Google's own profits. With 60% of U.K. news sites losing search visibility and clickthrough rates plummeting by over 50%, this monopolistic abuse threatens press freedom itself.

Pro-establishment narrative

Google's AI Overviews represent a revolutionary leap forward that's transforming search into something far more intelligent and useful. Users are absolutely loving these AI-powered responses, with satisfaction rates soaring and search usage jumping over 10% in major markets. The technology delivers lightning-fast, comprehensive answers while still providing helpful links to websites, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved.

Metaculus Prediction


The Controversies




© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.16.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.16.0