Reddit CEO Says Google AI Overviews Are Hurting the Web and Reducing Traffic

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said Google’s AI Overviews are hurting the broader web by summarizing content instead of sending users to websites, adding to fears that search traffic is shrinking for publishers and platforms. He argued that Google’s traditional “10 blue links” created far more value for the ecosystem, while AI Overviews have not yet produced a similar benefit. The comments reflect a wider industry concern that AI-powered search could reduce referral traffic and weaken the business models of sites that rely on clicks, including Reddit itself.