Google AI Overview citation cards reported missing in possible test
What this answers
- Is Google removing citation cards from AI Overviews?
- Not confirmed. SEO consultant Brodie Clark reports the citation card is missing from AI Overviews on many test queries, but Search Engine Roundtable could not reproduce it and had no answer from Google on whether it is a bug or a test.
Google may be testing removal of the citation card from AI Overviews on desktop, per Search Engine Roundtable. SEO consultant Brodie Clark said the card, which normally shows 2-3 linked source domains beside the answer, has dropped out drastically in recent days, and on Oct 29 said he sees it missing consistently across many test queries. Search Engine Roundtable’s Barry Schwartz could not reproduce it, noted the card sometimes loads in late, and had asked Google whether it is a bug or a test without a reply yet.
Why it matters: Citation cards are among the most visible places a source gets credited inside an AI Overview, so a report that they are disappearing is one to watch against traffic and impressions data, though Google has not said what is happening.
The record: GoogleGoogle AI Overviews
Glossary: SEOAI Overviews
Via Search Engine Roundtable ↗
Posted to the wire October 29, 2026. Edited by Joe Balewski.