Major Changes in SEO: The Discontinuation of FAQ Rich Results and the Rise of AI Controls
The SEO landscape underwent a significant transformation between May and June 2026, following Google's pivotal announcement regarding the cessation of FAQ Rich Results. This substantial shift marks a critical point, as Google has quietly phased out FAQ rich results while simultaneously launching new AI search controls. These modifications are far from trivial; they indicate a comprehensive reorganisation of how Google manages and presents search content.
Goodbye to FAQ Rich Results: Concluding a Six-Year Journey
Google officially announced that FAQ Rich Results are no longer supported across all website categories as of May 7, 2026. The FAQPage schema markup that SEO professionals have faithfully implemented over the years will no longer generate expandable rich results in search.
This change affects all types of websites, including governmental and health-related sites that previously benefited from this feature.
What is the current situation? While the FAQPage markup remains on websites, Google Search has ceased using it to showcase expandable FAQ sections. The rich result has virtually vanished from search engine results pages (SERPs).
What changes are expected in June 2026? Google plans to eliminate:
- – The complete removal of the FAQ search appearance
- – The FAQ rich result report from Search Console
- – FAQ support within the Rich Results Test tool
- – FAQ support in the Search Console API
What implications does this have for your website? Websites that centred their content strategies around the FAQ schema must urgently rethink their tactics. The enhanced visibility in SERPs that FAQ rich results once provided is no longer viable. However, the content of FAQs remains relevant—Google still indexes and evaluates FAQ information, albeit without the enhanced visual display.
What actions should you take now that FAQ Rich Results have been removed? Conduct a comprehensive audit of your FAQ pages to pinpoint schema-driven content that was solely created for search visibility. Focus on developing authentic Q&A content that addresses the needs of your audience. Emphasising content quality is vital; relying on markup tricks is no longer a viable strategy.
Introducing AI Performance Reports in Search Console
In May 2026, Google initiated the rollout of AI performance reports within Search Console. These reports will offer valuable insights into how your content performs within AI Overviews and AI Mode—features that SEO experts have been eagerly anticipating since the introduction of generative search.
This rollout also introduced a noteworthy feature: AI blocking controls. Website owners now have the option to exclude specific pages from AI search functionalities. This adjustment responds to concerns raised by publishers about the utilisation of their content without compensation, granting creators greater control over how their work is featured in AI responses.
Why is this significant in light of the removal of FAQ Rich Results? For the first time, Google provides a distinct perspective on AI-driven traffic, separate from traditional organic clicks. This enables you to determine whether AI Overviews are attracting traffic to your content or supplanting it entirely.
The UK connection. The introduction of AI controls appears to be influenced by regulatory pressures from the UK government concerning AI content licensing. This suggests that variations in AI search controls may arise as governments worldwide grapple with AI and copyright issues.
Clarification of Spam Policies Concerning AI Search Features
Google confirmed in May 2026 that existing spam policies apply to AI search features, including AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Key warnings include:
- – Manipulating citations for AI search
- – Purchasing mentions or citations
- – Creating content specifically designed to rank in AI responses rather than fulfilling 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 that “new channel, new rules” applies is incorrect—Google regards AI search as another avenue for its established ranking algorithms.
Enhancements in AI Mode: Five Key Improvements to Linking
Between May and June 2026, Google rolled out five enhancements to linking within AI Mode and AI Overviews. These modifications aim to make AI-generated responses more user-friendly:
- 1. Enhanced source attribution — Links are now more prominently highlighted within AI responses
- 2. New carousel format — Sources are now presented in a swipeable carousel for easier access
- 3. Clarified anchor text — The context of links is now clearer in AI-generated responses
- 4. Diverse sources — AI Mode now features a broader array of sources instead of repeating the same domains
- 5. Global rollout of preferred sources — Google has extended preferred sources to all languages worldwide
These changes directly respond to concerns from publishers that AI Overviews were “stealing” traffic without directing users to the source websites.
A Brief Overview of the May 2026 Core Update
The May 2026 core update was implemented in late May, with significant fluctuations peaking on May 30 and June 2. Google officially acknowledged the rollout on June 4. This update seems to have influenced:
- – Instances of site reputation manipulation (particularly among EU news outlets)
- – Indicators of content quality across various sectors
- – User experience signals, with stronger competitors rising in SERPs
Websites that experienced ranking declines should refrain from making changes until the update has fully executed. Google typically requires 2-4 weeks for substantial core updates to be entirely rolled out.
Essential Steps Following the Elimination of FAQ Rich Results
1. Review your FAQ schema implementation — Remove FAQPage markup if it was added solely for SERP visibility. Retain FAQ content that genuinely serves users.
2. Evaluate AI performance reports — Once available in your Search Console, analyse how AI features impact your traffic. Compare AI-driven clicks with standard organic traffic.
3. Explore AI opt-out options — Consider whether it is advantageous to exclude AI features for certain pages. Balance brand visibility against potential traffic implications.
4. Focus on genuine optimisation — Google has expressly cautioned against manipulating AI citations. Concentrate on establishing authentic authority instead of pursuing citation shortcuts.
5. Monitor the effects of core updates — If affected by the May 2026 update, document changes before making adjustments. Allow time for the complete rollout to conclude.
What Remains Unchanged Despite the Removal of FAQ Rich Results?
Despite the recent modifications, fundamental SEO principles continue to apply:
- – Quality content is essential — AI systems favour authoritative, well-structured content. Gaining AI visibility depends on demonstrating genuine expertise.
- – Technical proficiency is crucial — Fast loading times, mobile optimisation, and clean markup remain critical.
- – User experience signals are vital — Google has found that stronger competitors excel by offering a superior overall experience.
- – Distributed authority enhances visibility — Brand mentions across platforms such as Wikipedia, news outlets, forums, and social media correlate with increased chances of AI citation.
Although the changes in June 2026 seem significant, they refine a system that continues to reward fundamental behaviours: crafting 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
The article FAQ Rich Results No Longer Featured in Google Update was first published on https://electroquench.com
