Google's AI-generated answer summaries at the top of search results.
Ahrefs data from 4 February 2026 shows AI Overviews reduce clicks by 58% for top-ranking pages, up from 34.5% last year. Position 1 CTR dropped 78% in two years. Three independent studies confirm it. But brands cited inside the AI Overview earn 35% more clicks than organic results below.
Britain's CMA proposed conduct requirements on 28 January that would let publishers opt out of AI Overviews without losing search visibility. The first use of Digital Markets Act powers also requires fair ranking and proper attribution. Consultation closes 25 February, but for most small businesses, the real question is not whether to opt out.
Google made Gemini 3 the default model for AI Overviews globally on 27 January, reaching over one billion users. Users can now flow from AI Overviews into AI Mode conversations. The second click is dying. Here is what UK businesses must change about their websites to stay cited.