Google AI Overviews caught linking back to its own search results

Google is experimenting with adding prominent, clickable links within its AI Overviews. However, instead of directing users to publishers' websites or other external sources, these links redirect users back to Google's own search results. This means clicking on underlined links within the AI Overview text will initiate a new Google search. Smaller link icons, on the other hand, still lead to the side panel links, which do point to publishers and external websites.

Visual Example:

A video demonstrating this behavior is available here:

Google AI Overview appears with an underline, and when clicked, it redirects with a new query. @rustybrick @gaganghotra_ @brodieseo pic.twitter.com/Y6Df6bfxgn

— Sachin Patel (@SachuPatel53124) March 17, 2025

Significance: This test raises concerns. Google previously emphasized that AI Overviews would "prominently surface relevant links to help people find web pages and content they may not have discovered before." However, this internal linking strategy seems contradictory. We've already seen evidence suggesting that the link icons in AI Overviews negatively impact click-through rates (CTR) from Google Search to external websites, leading to lawsuits from affected companies.

While this change may increase Google's search volume, its actual benefit to users remains questionable. The priority given to Google's own search results conflicts with Google's stated commitment to supporting independent publishers and driving traffic to their websites through AI Overviews.

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