Slowly Being Killed: The Internet Begins to Fight Back Against Google

Website owners, news media, and online communities across the globe are beginning to unite against Google. The cause is the artificial intelligence features displayed directly on search result pages, which allow users to find answers without needing to click links or visit the original source. Consequently, visitor numbers to content creator sites have plummeted, causing their revenue streams to slowly dry up. Many large publishers are now considering a bold move: cutting off Google’s access entirely, according to a report by Futurism, Monday (21/09/2026).

This situation is described as a real threat to the sustainability of an open internet. For years, Google search has served as the primary gateway for millions of people to discover news, knowledge, and information. However, the answers now displayed on the front page are so comprehensive that users feel no need to navigate elsewhere.

A sharp decline in traffic is already visible across several major media outlets in the United States. USA Today reported that visitors from Google searches have dropped by nearly 50 per cent over the past year.

Other media organisations, such as Politico, The Economist, Reuters, and People magazine, are currently reviewing their partnerships with Google.

The discussion platform Reddit is also considering terminating its contract, valued at Rp 900 billion per year, which allows Google to train its AI systems using user posts.