EFF warns Google AI summaries push lock-in

The author argues that Google Search features like AI summaries and knowledge panels are designed less around helpful functionality and more around keeping users within the company's ecosystem to maximize ad revenue through extended page views. Similar to previous efforts like Accelerated Mobile Pages and sponsored result placements, these updates aim to eliminate the need to click external links. However, the author notes that shifting user habits toward text-based answers have ultimately led to lower ad monetization. Open article →