Reddit considers cutting ties with Google over declining traffic
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Reddit considers cutting ties with Google over declining traffic

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(Update: )
American social news aggregation website and discussion portal
American multinational technology company
American business-focused daily newspaper
  • Reddit is considering ending Google's access to its data used for AI training.
  • The decision comes as Reddit's $60 million-a-year deal with Google is nearing its end.
  • Executives are evaluating the benefits of sharing content with Google due to reduced traffic from AI-generated answers.
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In recent months, Reddit has been evaluating its relationship with Google, particularly in light of declining traffic to its platform. The discussions have centered around the potential cessation of Google's access to data that is utilized for training its Gemini AI models. This consideration comes as Reddit's $60 million-a-year deal with Google approaches its conclusion. The Wall Street Journal reported that the rise of AI-generated answers to user queries has significantly reduced the number of clicks to external websites, prompting Reddit executives to reassess the value of continuing to share their content with Google. As the digital landscape evolves, many publishers are beginning to question the benefits of their partnerships with major tech companies like Google, which have historically provided substantial traffic and revenue. The situation reflects a broader trend in the media industry, where publishers are increasingly concerned about the impact of AI on their business models and the sustainability of their relationships with platforms that drive traffic to their sites. The outcome of Reddit's deliberations could have significant implications for its future strategy and its interactions with Google and other tech giants.