Search engines stories

Generative AI platforms have boosted digital discovery and sales, with app downloads up 319% and AI referrals generating 1.1 billion visits in June 2025.

AI is transforming search, urging companies to optimise content for AI alongside SEO to capture growing referral traffic from generative AI tools like ChatGPT.

Supplier product content is now retail’s largest hidden cost, with poor quality and duplication hurting AI-driven search and boosting operational expenses.

SEO is evolving in 2026 with Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), merging to boost digital authority and shape brand discovery in an AI-driven world.

A global survey finds 42% of shoppers trust AI-generated product summaries over websites, signalling a shift in how brands are discovered online before Black Friday.

UK shoppers now combine AI tools, social media, and peer reviews to guide online purchases, reflecting a shift from relying on single search sources.

OpenAI’s Atlas browser stirs debate on AI’s impact in search, raising concerns over transparency, security risks, and the future of information browsing.

Despite 90% of Australians being online, many prefer AI tools and peers over government websites, citing trust and ease of use concerns in digital services.

Perplexity has launched its Comet browser publicly, offering AI-powered assistance in a format aiming to reshape how users explore the internet.

Cloudflare launches Content Signals Policy, enabling creators to control how AI companies use their online content, enhancing robots.txt capabilities.

A global survey reveals 33% of Gen Z and 26% of Millennials prefer AI platforms over search engines for shopping advice, signalling a shift in consumer habits.

UK shoppers are rapidly embracing generative AI this Christmas, with 71% using it to pick gifts and manage budgets amid rising cost of living worries.

FairPrice teams up with Google Cloud to launch AI-powered shopping assistants, enhancing customer experience and staff efficiency in its stores across Southeast Asia.

Fastly's Randy Reddig reveals AI bots now drive much web traffic, disrupting media models and pushing publishers toward new edge-based solutions.

Despite widespread AI use in travel, only 4% of Australians fully trust it, with 92% expressing concerns, reveals Booking.com’s Global AI Sentiment Report.

As AI-powered language models replace traditional search, brands must master generative engine optimisation to stay visible and competitive in discovery.

Cloudflare now blocks AI crawlers by default, requiring explicit permission to access web content, giving creators control and potential compensation options.

Ofcom introduces strict Online Safety Act rules by July, forcing UK tech firms to shield children from harmful content like self-harm, abuse, and risky challenges.

The way we search online has transformed significantly, yet websites remain largely unchanged, leading to frustrations for modern users seeking intuitive experiences.

Thryv Australia has won the global Marketing with Purpose award at the 2025 Microsoft Advertising Partner Awards, solidifying its role in supporting small businesses.