Google Tackles Fake AI Spam in Discover
▼ Summary
– Google is actively working to fix its Discover feed by removing fake AI spam that has recently appeared.
– The Press Gazette documented numerous fake news stories on Google Discover, viewed tens of millions of times.
– Spammers are suspected of using expired, once-trusted domains to exploit domain authority and bypass spam filters.
– A database tracking these fake AI sites includes over 8,300 in French, 300 in English, and 150 in German.
– These spam sites can generate significant traffic and revenue before Google removes them, but new ones often emerge.
Google is currently implementing a solution to eliminate a surge of fake AI-generated spam that has recently infiltrated its Discover feed. This initiative follows reports from the Press Gazette, which highlighted how these deceptive articles have accumulated tens of millions of views. A Google spokesperson confirmed the company is actively developing a targeted fix to maintain the platform’s stringent quality standards and protect users from manipulative content.
In an official statement, Google emphasized its commitment to combating spam through advanced detection systems and strict policies. The company noted, “We keep the vast majority of spam out of Discover through robust spam-fighting systems and clear policies against new and emerging forms of low quality, manipulative content. We’re actively working on a fix that will better address the specific type of spam that’s being referenced here, maintaining our high bar for quality in Discover.”
Investigations point to a troubling strategy behind the spam outbreak. Fraudulent actors are reportedly purchasing expired domains that previously held strong reputations, then exploiting that inherited domain authority to push AI-created articles into Google Discover. While this method isn’t entirely new, Google Search already has countermeasures, it appears to be effectively bypassing Discover’s filters for now.
![Screenshot of fake AI stories in Google Discover]
The scale of the problem is significant. According to French data journalist Jean-Marc Manach, who monitors such deceptive sites, his database now includes over 8,300 fake French sites, 300 in English, and 150 in German that are producing these AI-generated stories.
For legitimate publishers, the situation carries serious implications. Google Discover can deliver enormous traffic volumes almost instantly, making it a valuable source of visitors and revenue. Unfortunately, this also makes it a prime target for spammers, who can quickly monetize fake content before being removed, only to reappear under a different domain. Although Google’s updates will likely curb the current wave, the ongoing battle against evolving spam tactics remains a persistent challenge for the platform.
(Source: Search Engine Land)
