Google Search Quality Rater Guideline Update Targets AI Spam

Google unleashes its first major update to the Search Quality Rater Guidelines since March 2024, aimed at targeting AI spam, low-value scaled content, and site and domain reputation abuse. 


The update

Google’s first update to its Search Quality Rater Guidelines focuses on AI-generated spam, low-quality content, and scaled content abuse. 

The updated guidelines define what the tech giant considers low-quality content and AI-generated spam, describe how Google evaluates these types of content, and reinforce its focus on rewarding high-quality content written for the reader. 

Google’s update also warns content creators against using automated tools to generate scaled content that lacks originality, addresses site reputation abuse, and expired domains.  

What content creators need to know

Google’s updated general guidelines confirm you can use AI to generate content. However, you must only use it to provide high-quality, unique content that serves the user’s needs, not to produce mass-generated generic content solely for ranking.  

Google added three new spam types: scaled content abuse, site reputation abuse, and expired domain abuse. 

The updated low-quality content and spam sections emphasize the company’s focus on rewarding, authentic, high-value content that provides expert advice. 

Ads are part of the user experience

The search quality rater guidelines now include advertisement blocker requirements, advising site owners without ad blockers to focus on how the ads affect the overall user experience when people visit their web pages. 

Looking forward

The update is a game-changer for anyone who relies on AI to create content; it clarifies what Google determines as quality content, the allowable use of AI-generated content, and how it will tackle developing spam practices. 

SEO professionals and content creators must now adapt to and comply with Google’s guidelines for rewarding high-quality content, expertise, and authenticity to avoid possible penalties. 

Matt G. Southern, from Search Engine Journal, wrote a detailed post on the update, in which he said:

  • “Google’s stance is clear: AI is welcome, but only when it genuinely enhances user experience. Spam will not be tolerated.”

Since last year’s Helpful Content Update, Google has clarified it will not tolerate spam, and its new search quality rater guidelines now define spam in all its forms.

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Terry O'Toole

Terry is a seasoned content marketing specialist with over six years of experience writing content that helps small businesses navigate where small businesses meet marketing - SEO, Social Media Marketing, etc. Terry has a proven track record of creating top-performing content in search results. When he is not writing content, Terry can be found on his boat in Italy or chilling in his villa in Spain.

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