Major SEO Developments: Discontinuation of FAQ Rich Results and Introduction of AI Search Controls
Between May and June 2026, the SEO environment underwent a significant transformation when Google announced that FAQ Rich Results will no longer be supported. This announcement marks a pivotal change, as Google has discreetly phased out FAQ rich results while concurrently rolling out new AI search controls. These changes are profound, highlighting a comprehensive reconfiguration of how Google administers and showcases search content.
Discontinuation of FAQ Rich Results: Closing a Six-Year Era
On May 7, 2026, Google officially confirmed the cessation of FAQ Rich Results across all website categories. The frequently used FAQPage schema markup, which SEO professionals invested years into implementing, will no longer produce expandable rich results in search.
This alteration affects all types of websites, including those in government and health sectors that once gained a competitive advantage.
What has changed? Although the FAQPage markup remains present on websites, Google Search will cease to use it for displaying expandable FAQ sections. The rich result has effectively vanished from search engine results pages (SERPs).
What changes are expected in June 2026? Google plans to eliminate:
- – The FAQ search appearance entirely
- – The FAQ rich result report in Search Console
- – FAQ support in the Rich Results Test tool
- – FAQ support in the Search Console API
What implications does this have for your website? Websites that built content strategies around the FAQ schema must urgently reassess their approaches. The enhanced SERP visibility that FAQ rich results once provided is no longer available. However, the content within FAQs remains valuable—Google still indexes FAQ information, though it will lack the enriched visual representation.
What steps should you take now that FAQ Rich Results are gone? Evaluate your FAQ pages for schema-driven content that was primarily added for search visibility. Concentrate on developing authentic Q&A content that genuinely addresses user needs. Content quality is crucial; relying on markup tactics is not effective.
Unveiling AI Performance Reports in Search Console
In May 2026, Google began releasing AI performance reports in Search Console. These reports provide insights into how your content performs within AI Overviews and AI Mode—features that SEO practitioners have anticipated since the rise of generative search.
This rollout also introduced a significant new capability: AI blocking controls. Website owners can now selectively exclude certain pages from AI search functionalities. This initiative addresses publishers’ concerns about their content being utilised without compensation and empowers creators to control how their work appears in AI-generated outputs.
Why is this important now that FAQ Rich Results are no longer available? For the first time, Google provides a distinct view of AI-driven traffic, separate from conventional organic clicks. This enables you to determine whether AI Overviews are driving traffic to your content or simply replacing it.
The influence of the UK. The introduction of AI controls seems to be influenced by regulatory pressures from the UK government regarding AI content licensing. This suggests that we may see more regional adaptations in AI search controls as governments globally contend with AI and copyright issues.
Spam Policies Now Explicitly Cover AI Search Features
In May 2026, Google confirmed that existing spam policies are applicable to AI search features, including AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Key cautions include:
- – Manipulating citations for AI search
- – Purchasing mentions or citations
- – Creating content specifically aimed at ranking in AI responses rather than serving genuine user needs
This clarification indicates that any attempts at Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) that violate Google’s core principles will incur the same penalties as traditional black-hat SEO. The notion of “new channel, new rules” is misleading—Google views AI search as merely another channel for its established ranking algorithms.
Enhancing AI Mode: Five Key Improvements to Links
During May and June 2026, Google made five enhancements to linking within AI Mode and AI Overviews. These improvements aim to facilitate more effective linking in AI-generated responses:
- 1. Enhanced source attribution — Links are now more prominently featured within AI responses
- 2. New carousel format — Sources are displayed in a swipeable carousel for easier access
- 3. Improved anchor text — The context of links is clearer within AI-generated responses
- 4. Diverse sources — AI Mode now includes a wider variety of sources instead of repeating the same domains
- 5. Global expansion of preferred sources — Google has broadened its preferred sources to encompass all languages worldwide
These adjustments directly address concerns from publishers about AI Overviews “stealing” traffic without directing readers to the original source websites.
A Recap of the May 2026 Core Update
The May 2026 core update was rolled out in late May, with noticeable fluctuations peaking on May 30 and June 2. Google officially confirmed this rollout on June 4. This update appears to have impacted:
- – Patterns of site reputation misuse (especially among EU news outlets)
- – Indicators of content quality across various sectors
- – User experience signals, with stronger competitors gaining ground in SERPs
Websites that experienced ranking declines should refrain from making modifications until the update is fully implemented. Google typically requires 2-4 weeks for significant core updates to complete their rollout.
Critical Steps to Take Following the Elimination of FAQ Rich Results
1. Assess FAQ schema usage — Remove FAQPage markup if it was added solely for SERP visibility. Retain FAQ content that genuinely benefits users.
2. Examine AI performance reports — Once accessible in your Search Console, examine how AI features influence your traffic. Compare AI-driven clicks with traditional organic traffic.
3. Evaluate AI opt-out options — Determine whether excluding AI features is appropriate for specific pages. Weigh brand visibility against potential traffic outcomes.
4. Focus on authentic optimisation — Google has explicitly cautioned against manipulation of AI citations. Emphasise building genuine authority instead of pursuing citation shortcuts.
5. Track the impact of core updates — If affected by the May 2026 update, document changes before making modifications. Allow time for the full rollout to be completed.
What Remains Unchanged with the Discontinuation of FAQ Rich Results?
Despite the recent transitions, essential SEO principles continue to apply:
- – Quality content is crucial — AI systems favour authoritative, well-structured content. The route to visibility in AI is through genuine expertise.
- – Technical expertise is vital — Fast loading times, mobile optimisation, and clean markup remain essential.
- – User experience signals are critical — Google has observed that stronger competitors succeed by offering a superior overall experience.
- – Widespread authority enhances visibility — Brand mentions across platforms such as Wikipedia, news outlets, forums, and social media correlate with increased chances of AI citation.
While the changes in June 2026 appear significant, they are refinements to a system that continues to reward core behaviours: creating genuinely valuable content and establishing authentic online authority.
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References.
– [Search Engine Roundtable: June 2026 Google Webmaster Report](https://www.seroundtable.com/june-2026-google-webmaster-report-41446.html)
– [Search Engine Journal: Google Drops FAQ Rich Results](https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-drops-faq-rich-results-from-search/574429/)
– [Search Engine Land: Google FAQ Rich Results Deprecation](https://searchengineland.com/google-to-no-longer-support-faq-rich-results-476957)
– [ALM Corp: FAQ Rich Results No Longer Supported](https://almcorp.com/blog/google-faq-rich-results-no-longer-supported/)
– [OrangeMonke: FAQ Rich Results Removed](https://orangemonke.com/blogs/google-drops-faq-rich-results-from-search/)
The article Google Update Report Says FAQ Rich Results Are Gone was first published on https://marketing-tutor.com
The Article FAQ Rich Results Are No Longer in Google Update Report Was Found On https://limitsofstrategy.com
