New Google Search Console AI filter confirmed as just a rumour

James Hussey

There’s been a lot of chatter lately about Google Search Console supposedly introducing a new “AI Overview” filter in its Search Performance report. If this has recently been brought to your attention, don’t get too excited – as it isn’t real.

This rumour came from someone claiming to be a “Platinum Product Expert” on a Google forum, suggesting the rollout of the filter had begun. This claim quickly spread, with people checking their account, hoping to be able to differentiate between AI (artificial intelligence) Overview data and data from web traffic. However, Google’s John Mueller shut it down, saying that the screenshot is fake, there is no such filter and that the announcement was misleading.

What we do know is that at present, Search Console groups AI Overview data in the same “Web” bucket as regular search performance. There’s no separate breakdown, so if you were hoping to login and utilise this function, it doesn’t exist (at least for now).

Interestingly, the person who posted the original claim later removed it and apologised. It seems this was either an honest mistake or misunderstanding. Still, it stirred enough interest that many fellow SEO (search engine optimisation) professionals are now asking: shouldn’t Google give more transparency here? Many are of the opinion that a dedicated filter would be useful to assess AI features and the impact they are having on traffic.

It’s entirely reasonable that many site owners want more clarity here. As AI features become a bigger part of how people search, having visibility into how much traffic comes from AI summaries versus traditional web links will matter more. As useful as it would be, there are no confirmed plans for Google to roll this feature out; however, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they did. As of today, this feature is purely a rumour.

If you need any assistance of your website’s performance, get in touch with the team at Engage Web today.

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James Hussey

Digital Marketing Executive at Engage Web

Having once gone to school in the Burnage area of Manchester known for being the childhood home of Noel and Liam Gallagher, “Some Might Say” that James is a “Supersonic” presence within Engage Web, happily turning his hand to “Whatever” tasks his role throws at him.