Google has previously denied that the company uses click data for its searches. However, a new search function entitled “Most-read articles” now indicates exactly that. The background.
Google is apparently currently testing a new search function called “Most-read articles”. The test indicates that the company is using click data for its search function – although Google has repeatedly and vehemently denied this.
“Most-read articles”: Google tests new search function
Some Google users are currently being shown a new function. This is an area in the search with the title “Most-read articles”. As the name suggests, articles that appear to have been clicked on and read particularly often there.
Several social media users had previously discovered the function. For example, the user Shameem Adhikarath reported on the new section in Google Search in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The Search Engine Roundtable blog has also already referred to a corresponding test of the function, citing social media posts.
Does Google use click data for its search?
But how does Google know which articles are clicked on and how often? First of all, the clicks in the search results are a possible source, as the company collects the relevant data. However, the click figures could also come from the company’s own browser Google Chrome or the Google Analytics tracking tool.
However, not all website operators use Google Analytics and not all Google users use the Chrome browser. The new search function “Most-read articles” is not clear evidence that Google incorporates click data into its search. However, it is a clear indication of this.
However, it is still unclear what data the function is based on. Meanwhile, Google has repeatedly denied that click rates are included in the search. However, a post on the X account Big Tech on Trial reveals that a Google employee explained in court that there is an internal company directive not to question the role of click data.
Meanwhile, the “Most-read articles” section only seems to be displayed to a few users so far – apparently only in the English-language version. We are not yet aware of any reports from German users.
