Google announced a test today. This test involves a new control for website owners. It is called “Google-Extended”. This tool helps publishers manage how their website content gets used. Specifically, it controls access for AI models and tools.

(Google Tests “Google-Extended” Control for Web Publishers)

Many companies use AI. These AI systems often learn from information found online. Website owners have expressed worries. They want more say over how their content helps train AI. Google heard these concerns. Google-Extended is their response.

Publishers can use Google-Extended now. It works alongside existing controls. Publishers already decide if their site appears in Google Search. Google-Extended offers an extra choice. Publishers can choose whether their content helps build AI products. This includes products like Google’s Bard. It might also include other future AI services.

The control is being tested now. Google is running this test with publishers. Google wants to see how well it works. They also want feedback. This feedback will help improve the tool.

Google-Extended uses a simple method. Publishers update their site’s robots.txt file. This file tells automated systems what they can do. Adding Google-Extended tells Google’s AI crawlers to stay away. It blocks the crawler known as “Google-Extended”. This stops content from being used for AI training.

(Google Tests “Google-Extended” Control for Web Publishers)

Google says this is important. It gives publishers more control. They get a direct way to manage AI access. This is separate from regular search indexing. Google believes it supports a healthy web ecosystem. It helps balance innovation with publisher needs.