Google has clarified that its controls allowing publishers to opt out of AI training only apply to data used by Google DeepMind, and do not extend to training conducted by its other units that power search features such as AI Overviews. This distinction has caused confusion among site owners. Meanwhile, the rise of AI is disrupting the digital advertising and media landscape, with 60% of searches resulting in no clicks, putting pressure on the sector to adapt or risk decline. Experts highlight that AI optimization is becoming the next critical frontier in search engine optimization (SEO). Industry voices emphasize that businesses must integrate AI into marketing, SEO, and other operations to remain competitive, as AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini increasingly influence online visibility and customer engagement.