FAQ Rich Results Removed in Recent Google Update

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

The SEO landscape witnessed a significant transformation between May and June 2026, marked by Google's pivotal announcement about the termination of FAQ Rich Results. This strategic decision represents a crucial turning point, as Google quietly eliminated FAQ rich results while simultaneously launching advanced AI search controls. These changes are far from insignificant; they indicate a comprehensive reimagining of how Google manages and presents search content.

Goodbye to FAQ Rich Results: Concluding a Six-Year Journey

Google officially announced that FAQ Rich Results have been discontinued for all types of websites, effective from May 7, 2026. The FAQPage schema markup that SEO professionals have carefully implemented over the years will no longer yield expandable rich results in search.

This shift affects all website categories, including government and health-related sites that previously benefited from this feature.

What has changed in the current scenario? Although the FAQPage markup remains in use on webpages, Google Search has ceased to leverage it for displaying expandable FAQ sections. The rich result has essentially vanished from search engine results pages (SERPs).

Which features will be eliminated in June 2026? Google plans to remove:

• – 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 have for your website? Websites that have tailored their content strategies around the FAQ schema must urgently reassess their tactics. The enhanced visibility in SERPs that FAQ rich results previously provided is no longer attainable. However, the content of FAQs still holds value—Google continues to index and evaluate FAQ information, albeit without the enhanced visual presentation.

What actions should you take now that FAQ Rich Results have been terminated? Conduct a comprehensive audit of your FAQ pages to pinpoint schema-driven content that was solely added for search visibility. Focus on developing authentic Q&A content that addresses the needs of your audience. Emphasising content quality is vital; relying on markup tactics is no longer advantageous.

Introducing AI Performance Reports in Search Console

In May 2026, Google initiated the rollout of AI performance reports within Search Console. These reports will offer invaluable insights into the performance of your content in AI Overviews and AI Mode—features that SEO professionals have eagerly anticipated since generative search was introduced.

This rollout also unveiled a notable feature: AI blocking controls. Website owners now have the ability to exclude specific pages from AI search functionalities. This adjustment responds to concerns raised by publishers about their content being utilised without remuneration, granting creators greater control over how their work is represented in AI responses.

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

The UK connection. The introduction of AI controls appears to be influenced by regulatory pressures from the UK government concerning AI content licensing. This suggests that variations in AI search controls may arise as governments worldwide navigate AI and copyright challenges.

Clarification of Spam Policies Pertaining to AI Search Features

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

Key warnings include:

• – Manipulating citations for AI search
• – Purchasing mentions or citations
• – Creating content specifically designed to rank in AI responses instead of addressing user needs

This clarification indicates that any attempts at Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) that violate Google's fundamental principles will incur the same penalties as traditional black-hat SEO. The notion that “new channel, new rules” applies is misleading—Google treats AI search as another pathway subject to its established ranking algorithms.

Enhancements in AI Mode: Five Key Improvements to Linking

In May and June 2026, Google introduced five enhancements to linking within AI Mode and AI Overviews. These adjustments aim to make AI-generated responses more link-friendly:

• 1. Enhanced source attribution — Links are now more prominently highlighted within AI responses
• 2. New carousel format — Sources are displayed 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 showcases a wider variety of sources instead of repeating the same domains
• 5. Global rollout of preferred sources — Google has extended the preferred sources to all languages worldwide

These modifications directly address concerns from publishers that AI Overviews were “stealing” 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 significant fluctuations peaking on May 30 and June 2. Google officially acknowledged the rollout on June 4. This update appears to have impacted:

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

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

Crucial Actions Following the Removal of FAQ Rich Results

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

2. Evaluate AI performance reports — Once accessible in your Search Console, analyse how AI features impact your traffic. Compare AI-driven clicks with standard organic traffic.

3. Explore options for AI opt-out — Consider whether it is advantageous to exclude AI features for specific pages. Weigh brand visibility against potential traffic implications.

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

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

What Remains Unchanged Despite the Discontinuation of FAQ Rich Results?

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

• – Quality content remains essential — AI systems favour authoritative, well-structured content. Achieving visibility in AI requires demonstrating genuine expertise.
• – Technical skills are crucial — Fast loading times, mobile optimisation, and clean markup are still vital.
• – User experience signals matter — Google has noted that stronger competitors thrive by providing a superior overall experience.
• – Distributed authority increases visibility — Brand mentions across platforms such as Wikipedia, news outlets, forums, and social media correlate with a higher likelihood of AI citation.

While the changes in June 2026 seem substantial, they are refinements to a system that continues to reward fundamental behaviours: creating 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