OpenAI and Google back simpler AI training controls for websites
Website owners could state one training preference for participating AI providers, with support planned over the coming months and in 2027.
OpenAI and Google · Source published 2026-10-30
OpenAI and Google have announced plans to support a shared way for website owners to express whether their content may be used for AI training. Both announcements were published on 30 October 2026.
The proposed signal sits in robots.txt, a website file used to communicate preferences to automated services. Publishers would be able to state a common training preference for participating providers, reducing the need to maintain separate instructions for each company.
The rollout is still ahead. OpenAI says it aims to implement support in the coming months, while Google is targeting 2027. Both say their existing company-specific controls will continue alongside the shared mechanism.
Google also says websites that specifically allow Google-Extended are eligible to appear in Gemini responses and receive clicks. Businesses should therefore review the effects of each provider’s settings before making changes.
The proposal draws on the Internet Engineering Task Force’s AI Preferences work. OpenAI describes the initiative as voluntary: this announcement does not establish a universal block on AI companies using website content.
Why this matters
Thrive’s take: this could reduce admin for businesses publishing original content. Ask whoever manages your website to review existing training preferences and the planned rollout, including any effects on visibility in AI answers.
Sources
OpenAI — Making it easier for websites to express AI training preferences · 2026-10-30 ↗
Google — Supporting a shared AI training control for websites · 2026-10-30 ↗
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