Google rolls out spam update, generative AI, preferred sources

Image credit: Search Engine Journal

Google began rolling out its third spam update of the year on August 18, 2026, while simultaneously introducing generative user interface features globally to AI Overviews and a new personalization tool for search results.

The August 2026 spam update aims to combat low-quality content across Google Search, according to the company. This follows two previous spam updates earlier in the year.

Generative UI, which creates custom layouts and interactive tools, is now available in AI Overviews for English-speaking users worldwide, allowing AI Overviews to present information in more dynamic and tailored formats.

Google also introduced a new ‘Preferred Sources’ button, enabling users to select their favored websites for inclusion in Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode, providing direct user control over the sources displayed in their search results.

Industry experts noted the potential impact of these changes. Gianluca Fiorelli, an SEO consultant at ILoveSEO.net, highlighted the ‘Preferred Sources’ button as a new mechanism for websites to influence their visibility.

Lily Ray, Senior Director of SEO at Amsive, emphasized the ongoing importance of content quality in light of the spam updates, saying Google continues to prioritize helpful and reliable information.

Meanwhile, data indicated a sharp decline in Reddit‘s presence within ChatGPT Search citations. Reddit’s share of citations fell by 86.4 percent in mid-August, dropping from 3.83 percent to 0.52 percent, according to analytics.

Ross Simmonds, CEO of Foundation Marketing, previously reported on the increasing prominence of Reddit in AI-generated content. The recent drop suggests a shift in how AI models source information or how Google processes these citations.

Google’s John Mueller, a Search Advocate, often advises webmasters on best practices for SEO and content quality. The latest updates underscore Google’s continuous efforts to refine search results and user experience.

The company has not specified the duration of the August 2026 spam update rollout, but previous updates have typically taken several weeks to fully propagate.

Source: Search Engine Journal