FAQ Rich Results Discontinued in Google Update

Transformative Changes in SEO: The Discontinuation of FAQ Rich Results and the Rise of AI Controls

The SEO landscape has undergone a significant transformation between May and June 2026, marked by Google’s pivotal announcement regarding the termination of FAQ Rich Results. This important development signifies a major turning point, as Google quietly phases out FAQ rich results while simultaneously introducing advanced AI search controls. These modifications are substantial, indicating a comprehensive overhaul of how Google processes and displays search information.

The End of FAQ Rich Results: A Conclusion to a Six-Year Journey

Google has officially announced that FAQ Rich Results are no longer accessible for any website category as of May 7, 2026. The FAQPage schema markup that SEO practitioners have meticulously implemented over the years will no longer yield expandable rich results in search.

This development affects all types of websites, including those in the governmental and healthcare sectors that previously benefitted from this feature.

What has changed? Although FAQPage markup can still be found on web pages, Google Search has ceased to use it for displaying expandable FAQ sections. The rich result has effectively vanished from search engine results pages (SERPs).

What changes can we expect in June 2026? Google plans to eliminate:

• – The entire FAQ search appearance
• – The FAQ rich result report within Search Console
• – FAQ support in the Rich Results Test tool
• – FAQ support in the Search Console API

What implications does this hold for your website? Websites that have tailored their content strategies around the FAQ schema must urgently reevaluate their approach. The enhanced visibility in SERPs that FAQ rich results previously provided is no longer available. Nonetheless, FAQ content still holds value—Google continues to index and assess FAQ information, albeit without the enhanced visual presentation.

What should you do now that FAQ Rich Results have been eliminated? Conduct a comprehensive audit of your FAQ pages to identify schema-driven content created solely for search visibility. Focus on developing authentic Q&A content that addresses the needs of your audience. Emphasising content quality is vital; reliance on markup tricks is no longer effective.

Introduction of AI Performance Reports in Search Console

In May 2026, Google commenced the rollout of AI performance reports within Search Console. These reports will furnish valuable insights into the performance of your content in AI Overviews and AI Mode—features that SEO experts have long anticipated since the advent of generative search.

This rollout also introduced a compelling new feature: AI blocking controls. Website owners now have the option to exclude specific pages from AI search functionalities. This adjustment responds to concerns raised by publishers about the use of their content without remuneration, granting creators more control over how their work is represented in AI responses.

Why is this significant following the removal of FAQ Rich Results? For the first time, Google provides a distinct perspective on AI-driven traffic, separate from traditional organic clicks. This enables you to determine whether AI Overviews are driving traffic to your content or replacing it entirely.

The UK Connection. The introduction of AI controls appears to be shaped by regulatory pressures from the UK government regarding AI content licensing. This suggests that differing AI search controls may emerge as governments worldwide address AI and copyright challenges.

Clarification of Spam Policies Relating to AI Search Features

Google confirmed in May 2026 that existing spam policies apply to AI search features, including AI Overviews and AI Mode.

Key alerts include:

• – Manipulating citations for AI search
• – Purchasing mentions or citations
• – Creating content specifically designed to rank in AI responses rather than fulfilling user needs

This clarification implies that any attempts at Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) that contravene Google’s core principles will incur the same penalties as traditional black-hat SEO. The notion that “new channel, new rules” applies is a misconception—Google regards AI search as a continuation of its established ranking algorithms.

Advancements in AI Mode: Five Key Enhancements to Linking

In May and June 2026, Google launched five enhancements to linking within AI Mode and AI Overviews. These improvements aim to make AI-generated responses more conducive to links:

• 1. Enhanced source attribution — Links are now more prominently highlighted within AI responses
• 2. New carousel format — Sources are presented in a swipeable carousel for easier access
• 3. Clarified anchor text — The context of links is now clearer in AI-generated responses
• 4. Diverse sources — AI Mode now displays a wider variety of sources rather than repeating the same domains
• 5. Global rollout of preferred sources — Google has made preferred sources available in all languages worldwide

These changes directly respond to concerns from publishers that AI Overviews were “usurping” traffic without directing users to source websites.

A Summary of the May 2026 Core Update

The May 2026 core update was implemented in late May, with noticeable fluctuations peaking on May 30 and June 2. Google officially acknowledged the rollout on June 4. This update seems to have affected:

• – Instances of site reputation manipulation (particularly among EU news outlets)
• – Indicators of content quality across various sectors
• – User experience signals, with stronger competitors ascending in SERPs

Websites that experienced ranking declines should refrain from making changes until the update is fully implemented. Google typically requires 2-4 weeks for significant core updates to be completely rolled out.

Vital Steps After the Removal of FAQ Rich Results

1. Review your FAQ schema implementation — Eliminate FAQPage markup if it was solely added for SERP visibility. Retain FAQ content that genuinely serves users.

2. Assess AI performance reports — Once available in your Search Console, investigate how AI features influence your traffic. Compare AI-driven clicks with standard organic traffic.

3. Examine AI opt-out options — Consider whether it is advantageous to exclude AI features for certain pages. Balance brand visibility against potential traffic consequences.

4. Prioritise genuine optimisation — Google has clearly warned against manipulating AI citations. Focus on establishing authentic authority rather than seeking citation shortcuts.

5. Track the impact of core updates — If affected by the May 2026 update, document changes before making adjustments. Allow time for the complete rollout to conclude.

What Remains Unchanged Despite the Removal of FAQ Rich Results?

Despite the recent changes, fundamental SEO principles continue to apply:

• – Quality content is paramount — AI systems favour authoritative, well-structured content. Achieving visibility in AI hinges on demonstrating true expertise.
• – Technical proficiency is crucial — Fast loading times, mobile optimisation, and clean markup remain essential.
• – User experience signals are critical — Google has noted that stronger competitors succeed by providing a superior overall experience.
• – Distributed authority boosts visibility — Brand mentions across platforms such as Wikipedia, news outlets, forums, and social media correlate with a higher likelihood of AI citation.

Although the changes in June 2026 seem substantial, they are refinements to a system that continues to reward fundamental behaviours: producing genuinely valuable content and establishing authentic online authority.

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	Compiled By: Geoff Lord The Marketing Tutor	Name Email HP

References.

– [Search Engine Roundtable: June 2026 Google Webmaster Report](https://www.seroundtable.com/june-2026-google-webmaster-report-41446.html)
– [Search Engine Journal: Google Drops FAQ Rich Results](https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-drops-faq-rich-results-from-search/574429/)
– [Search Engine Land: Google FAQ Rich Results Deprecation](https://searchengineland.com/google-to-no-longer-support-faq-rich-results-476957)
– [ALM Corp: FAQ Rich Results No Longer Supported](https://almcorp.com/blog/google-faq-rich-results-no-longer-supported/)
– [OrangeMonke: FAQ Rich Results Removed](https://orangemonke.com/blogs/google-drops-faq-rich-results-from-search/)

The article Google Update Report Says FAQ Rich Results Are Gone was first published on https://marketing-tutor.com