A new update in ChatGPT targets spam by limiting the effectiveness of site: operator queries. Experts say this could undermine micro-site strategies and may influence other AI assistants to follow suit.
ChatGPT has introduced a significant update aimed at curbing spam, specifically by addressing the growing use of the site: operator in user queries. According to digital strategist Дж. Х. Шерк, this marks the first visible step by an AI assistant to directly tackle spammy tactics within its search capabilities.
Industry observers, including Лили Рэй, have noted a sharp increase in site:-restricted queries as users attempt to branch out and discover content through ChatGPT. This trend, known as query fan-out, has raised concerns about the proliferation of low-value micro-sites designed solely to boost visibility within AI-driven search results.
With the new update, ChatGPT is expected to make it much harder for these micro-sites to gain traction. As Шерк points out, if the anti-spam measure proves effective, the strategy of creating micro-sites for the sole purpose of increasing exposure in ChatGPT will likely become obsolete. The move signals a shift in how AI platforms are responding to manipulation attempts that exploit their search algorithms.
While this change currently applies to ChatGPT, experts believe it could set a precedent for other major AI assistants, such as Gemini and Claude. Although these platforms have not yet implemented similar restrictions, Шерк suggests they are likely to adopt comparable measures in the near future to maintain the integrity of their search results.
The update is seen as a proactive response to evolving spam tactics in the AI content ecosystem. By limiting the impact of site: operator queries, ChatGPT aims to ensure that users receive higher-quality, more relevant information, rather than being directed to sites created purely for algorithmic advantage.
