This week we covered a new Google Search spam penalty for back button hijacking. Google also updated its spam report, it may now be used for manual actions. Google is aware of self-serving listicles and warns not to manipulate LLMs. Google Search Console seems to be testing an AI contribution report. Google Ads is retiring Dynamic Search Ads in place of AI Max. Google Ads removed 8.3 billion ads according to its safety report. Google Ads is simplifying by consolidating enhanced conversions with an off/off switch. A new study shows there are issues with accuracy for AI Overviews. Google Maps blocked 292 million reviews and removed 13 million back Google Business Profiles. Google Posts repeat option is now live. Google updated its reviews policy to restrict staff mentions and solicitations. Google Business Profiles also updated the identity change policy. Google updated the Merchant Center product specs for 2026. And Google Ads and Google Analytics updated its data controls. That was the search news this week at the Search Engine Roundtable.
This episode is brought to you by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo’s take on AI search is pretty interesting—it’s an answer engine that doesn’t hide the sources. You get clear, AI-powered answers with context, but also strong citations and links so you can dig deeper and verify for yourself. It’s built around trusted sources and the idea that the open web still matters. Check out Yahoo Scout at scout.com.
