We hope you are in good health. Here are some of the major SEO news updates of the week that you need to know:
Search Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Brings “Personal Intelligence” to Gemini — And Soon to Search’s AI Mode
Google is rolling out “Personal Intelligence” in the Gemini app, letting users connect Gmail, Photos, YouTube, and Search so Gemini can reason across those sources and pull specific details for more tailored answers. It’s opt-in (off by default), rolling out first to Google AI Pro/Ultra subscribers in the U.S., and Google says it’s also coming soon to Search’s AI Mode.
Google: Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) Won’t “Kill SEO,” Says John Mueller
After Google announced its Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), some SEOs worried it could replace traditional optimization by shifting buying actions into AI experiences like Gemini and AI Mode. John Mueller pushed back, saying UCP is worth adopting to support AI-driven purchases, but it won’t be the only way customers buy—and it won’t end SEO.
Google: Core Updates Don’t Cause Favicons to Disappear in Search
Google’s John Mueller said favicon display issues in Search are unrelated to Google’s core updates, even though core updates can affect rankings and visibility in features like Discover or Top Stories. If a favicon vanishes, Mueller suggests troubleshooting the favicon setup itself rather than blaming the update.
Google: Merchants Can’t Show Higher Prices in Search/AI Mode Than on Their Website
Google responded to claims about “personalized upselling” leading to overcharging in AI shopping, saying it strictly prohibits merchants from showing prices on Google that are higher than what’s shown on their own sites. Google also clarified that “upselling” means offering premium options (user choice), while “Direct Offers” can only be used for lower-priced deals or added perks (like free shipping), not higher prices.
Google: AI Overviews & AI Mode Use Core Search Ranking Signals
Google’s Robby Stein said AI experiences like AI Overviews and AI Mode incorporate Google’s core Search signals to decide what information to cite and link to, aiming to keep answers helpful and trustworthy. He also noted Google treats incorrect or mixed-up answers as “losses,” and uses evaluations plus user feedback (thumbs up/down) to improve over time.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Ads Adds “Create an Account With Campaign” for Faster Setup
Google Ads is rolling out a faster account-creation flow that lets advertisers create an account using an existing campaign, shown as “Create an account with campaign for faster setup.” People spotting it say the setup process feels noticeably quicker, and it appears to have started surfacing more widely over the past few weeks.
Microsoft Advertising Publishes a New Guide to AEO & GEO for AI-Driven Shopping
Microsoft Advertising released a new PDF guide explaining how AEO (Answer/Agentic Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) are becoming essential as shopping shifts to AI search, assistants, and browsers. The guide argues SEO was about clicks, while AEO emphasizes clarity via enriched real-time data, and GEO focuses on credibility through authority signals (like reviews, warranties, and policies).
Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
YouTube Loosens Rules — Now Monetizes Non-Graphic Videos on Controversial Topics
YouTube has updated its advertiser-friendly guidelines to allow creators to earn full ad revenue from videos that discuss or dramatize controversial issues (like abortion, self-harm, suicide, and abuse) in a non-graphic way, reversing earlier restrictions. However, content involving graphic depictions or certain sensitive topics such as child abuse or eating disorders still remains ineligible for full monetization.
