Image by Mike Moloney, from Stocksnap
Reddit Becomes Google AI’s Second Most-Cited Source, But Struggles To Retain Users
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Reddit is the second most-cited site in Google AI Overviews. However its’ increased visibility of Reddit on Google does not translate into acquiring the necessary user base.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Reddit is the second most-cited site in Google AI Overviews.
- Most Reddit traffic comes from logged-out users via Google Search.
- Reddit’s stock fell after Google launched its new AI Mode.
Business Insider reports that the analytics firm Semrush discovered that Reddit now stands as the second most-referenced website in Google’s AI Overviews, after Quora.
The AI Overview tool appears at the top of Google search pages, offering users quick, summarized answers. This format often pulls information from platforms like Reddit and Quora because, as Semrush explains, “Quora and Reddit users often ask and answer niche questions that aren’t addressed elsewhere,” as reported by BI.
Reddit’s frequent appearance in these summaries may not be accidental. In 2024, the platform signed a $60 million deal with Google to let the tech giant train its AI systems on Reddit’s content. Google said this would “facilitate more content-forward displays of Reddit information,” as noted by BI.
While Reddit has seen a boost in traffic thanks to this exposure, most of it is coming from “logged-out” users, meaning visitors who aren’t registered or engaged with the site, says BI. According to Redburn analysts, “These users are much less valuable to Reddit as they are typically just looking for an answer to a query and thus spend little time on the platform,” as reported by BI.
The increased visibility through Google’s AI Overviews does not guarantee that Reddit will see financial benefits. The launch of Google’s AI Mode in May caused Reddit’s stock prices to decrease, as investors believed AI summaries would reduce user traffic to the platform, says BI.
Image by Jaanus Jagomägi, from Unsplash
UK Government’s AI Tool Raises Regulation Concerns
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
The UK government’s AI tool raises concerns over copyright, transparency, and civil service dependence.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- All civil servants in England and Wales will receive AI training.
- Government uses pay-as-you-go AI via existing cloud contracts.
- Critics warn AI tools rely on unlicensed copyrighted material.
The UK government’s AI system, known as Humphrey , is built on models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, as reported by The Guardian . The government faces growing criticism, as its increasing dependence on major tech companies becomes more concerningm while AI tools become central to civil service reform.
The government plans to train all English and Welsh civil servants in using AI tools through Humphrey to enhance public sector operational efficiency. The fast implementation of big tech AI systems, often using copyrighted material without authorization, ignites various ethical and regulatory problems, as reported by The Guadian.
“The government can’t effectively regulate these companies if it is simultaneously baking them into its inner workings,” said Ed Newton-Rex, CEO of Fairly Trained, reported The Guardian. “These AI models are built via the unpaid exploitation of creatives’ work,” he added.
The creative industry has strongly opposed the move, backing a campaign that fights for enhanced copyright protection. Members of this movement include Elton John, Kate Bush, and Paul McCartney.
The government recently passed a controversial data bill that enables AI systems to use copyrighted content , unless rights holders specifically choose to opt out.
Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti expressed concern about AI system errors while advising vigilance regarding potential biases and inaccuracies, which The Guardian notes have already been reported in the Horizon computer system.
Despite concerns, government officials defend the approach. A spokesperson from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said: “Our use of this technology in no way limits our ability to regulate it,” as reported by The Guardian.
The government operates through cloud contracts with a pay-as-you-go model instead of establishing long-term agreements with tech companies, which enables them to change providers, says The Guardian.
The Humphrey tools, comprising Redbox, Parlex, and AI Minute, have demonstrated their value by reducing costs below 50p while eliminating extensive administrative tasks that take hours to complete.
The ongoing deployment of AI in government operations faces challenges regarding transparency and oversight practices.
