Google continues to innovate and improve the quality of search results by announcing a major update to its algorithm to combat spam and low-quality content generated by artificial intelligence. This update is expected to reduce the amount of unoriginal and low-quality content in search results by 40%.
A Complex Update to Improve the Relevance Of Results
According to Elizabeth Tucker, Product Director at Google Search, this update is more complex than previous ones because it involves adjustments to several fundamental systems of the search engine. Although the exact nature of the changes is not revealed, Google says it has improved its core ranking mechanisms using different signals and methods. As a result, the rollout of this update could take a month with potential fluctuations in website rankings.
Three new rules to combat bad content practices
- Expired domain names : Google targets the practice of purchasing an expired domain name to redirect users to low-quality content by capitalizing on the site’s pre-existing reputation.
- Mass-produced content : This is the abuse of populating a site with huge amounts of unoriginal content of little or no value to users, often generated by artificial intelligence.
- Site Reputation : Google considers abuse when third-party pages include sponsored or advertising content with little or no involvement or oversight from the site hosting those pages, allowing search results to be manipulated by using the reputation of the host site.
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In the digital age where the volume of available content continues to increase, it is crucial for Google to maintain the relevance and quality of its search results by eliminating low-quality content generated by artificial intelligence. This update will also have a direct impact on the practices of SEO professionals who will have to adapt to Google’s new requirements in terms of quality and originality of content published on their websites.
An Approach Consistent with Previous Google Updates
This update is a continuation of previous actions taken by Google to improve the quality of its search results. In 2023, the company adopted a sustained update frequency with four major algorithm updates rolling out throughout the year. Last September, Google also revised its goal by rewarding sites that provide reliable and user-friendly content, a similar approach to this core update.
By combining this new update with previous efforts, Google hopes to continue to improve the user experience on its platform while penalizing bad editorial practices. Content owners and creators will therefore have to redouble their efforts to offer original, quality content adapted to the needs of their visitors.