Google August Core Update, Big Ranking Bug, DOJ Google Breakup, AI Overview Links, Gemini Research & More

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It finally happened: Google released the August 2024 core update; this one should reward small and independent publishers more, should it? Google had another search ranking bug, today, this was a big one. There has been tremendous Google ranking volatility this week, maybe the core update, but it was the day before and the weekend before the official announcement.

• The Department of Justice may be considering breaking up Google.
• Google launched new links in AI Overviews, expanded them to more countries, and introduced new Search Labs features, which are also visible in incognito mode.
• Google Gemini Research now shows links as well.
• A report suggests Google may be sending more Discover traffic but less Web Search traffic to some publishers.
• Google Search Console may only show 35% of your data.
• Google doesn’t technically follow links.
• Google may improve its URL parameter handling.
• Google confirms it shows 10+ shopping ads as you scroll.
• Google Search lists Merchant Center tracking parameters, causing issues for some users.
• Google deactivated Russian AdSense publishers.
• Google Top Stories might be showing fewer stories about political figures.
• Google is testing mini knowledge panel cards.
• Google knowledge panels now include “connections.”
• Fake WhatsApp numbers are hiding in Google Home listings, and some hotels are marked as closed.
• Google highlights reviews in search result listings.
• The FTC officially banned fake reviews.
• Apple Business Connect expanded its showcase feature.

That was the search news this week at the Search Engine Roundtable.

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