Google AI Overviews in France: A Challenge for the Media

Google is Set to Launch AI Overviews in France

Google plans to introduce its generative artificial intelligence features, AI Overviews and AI Mode, in France by September 23, 2026. This initiative places France among the last countries to benefit from these tools, which have been available in over 120 countries and in eleven languages for more than two years.

To prepare for this rollout, Google has communicated with French media publishers, offering them three key guarantees:

• Each media outlet will be able to decide whether or not to appear in the results generated by the AI.
• Google commits to providing transparent data on the number of impressions generated by publishers' content.
• The 450 publishers already under the neighboring rights regime will receive compensation when their content is displayed in the AI features.

Features of AI Overviews and AI Mode

AI Overviews provides a summary generated by Gemini at the top of Google search results pages, accompanied by links to the sources used. AI Mode, on the other hand, offers a conversational search interface that allows users to refine their queries interactively, similar to an AI assistant.

These features, initially launched in the United States in May 2024, are still absent from the European Union, primarily due to constraints imposed by the Digital Markets Act. The criteria for selecting highlighted content remain unchanged from traditional search, prioritizing quality and authority.

Technically, AI Mode uses a specific version of Gemini that breaks down complex queries into sub-questions, processed simultaneously through a method called query fan-out.

Potential Impact on Website Traffic

In an interview with Ouest-France, Sébastien Missoffe, director of Google France, attempted to allay concerns about a potential drop in audience for media outlets. He stated that Overviews summaries rarely appear on news queries and that Google continues to highlight various media viewpoints with links.

However, studies indicate a significant decrease in traffic to news sites following the introduction of AI Overviews in other countries. The Pew Research Center found that only 8% of users click on a result when an AI summary is present, compared to 15% in traditional search. Additionally, 26% of users stop browsing after reading the summary.

Ahrefs observed a 35% drop in the click-through rate for the top position, while Similarweb and GrowthSRC reported similar findings. Google has disputed these results, deeming them biased, but has not provided contradictory data.

Preparing for the Arrival of AI Overviews and AI Mode

AI Overviews utilizes RAG (retrieval-augmented generation), seeking information from the Google index to formulate its responses, hence the presence of source links. AI Mode goes further with query fan-out, breaking down a query into multiple sub-queries for a more comprehensive answer.

Experts recommend continuing to follow best SEO practices for GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). Some specific strategies include:

• Structuring content into self-contained response blocks with clear definitions and sourced figures.
• Using schema.org markup to provide clear signals about the nature of the content.
• Strengthening E-E-A-T to be recognized as a reliable source.
• Monitoring the evolution of Google's test, launched in late May 2026, which allows users to choose their preferred sources for AI Overviews and AI Mode.

As for measuring one's presence in these responses, it remains complex due to the volatility of indexing. Google Search Console has recently integrated AI responses into its metrics, and independent tools have emerged to track traffic in these new response engines.