Google Empowers Indian Users to Curate Their Own News in Search

Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 23:44 GMT by moneycontrol.com
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Google is giving news readers more control over what they see. A new "Preferred Sources" feature lets users in the US and India choose their favourite outlets, with those picks showing up more often in Search's Top Stories.

Google's Innovative Feature Empowers Indian Users to Customize News Sources in Search

In a significant move to enhance user experience and personalization in the digital news landscape, Google has announced the rollout of a new feature specifically tailored for users in India. This innovative tool allows individuals to select and prioritize their favorite news sources directly within Google Search, marking a step forward in how people consume information online. The feature is designed to give users greater control over the content they see, ensuring that search results align more closely with their preferences and interests. By enabling this customization, Google aims to address the growing demand for personalized news feeds amid the vast sea of information available on the internet.

At its core, the feature functions by letting users handpick news outlets that they trust and enjoy. Once selected, these preferred sources will be highlighted or given prominence in search results related to news queries. For instance, if a user frequently searches for topics like politics, technology, or sports, the system will prioritize articles from their chosen publishers, making it easier to access reliable and relevant content without sifting through unrelated or less preferred options. This is particularly relevant in India, where the media ecosystem is diverse and multilingual, encompassing national giants like The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and regional players in languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and more. Google's initiative recognizes the multicultural fabric of the country, where users often seek news in their native languages and from local perspectives.

The announcement comes at a time when misinformation and algorithmic biases have become hot-button issues in the tech world. By empowering users to curate their own news ecosystem, Google is positioning itself as a facilitator of informed choice rather than a gatekeeper of information. This could potentially mitigate echo chambers, as users are encouraged to diversify their sources if they wish, although the onus remains on individuals to make balanced selections. Experts in the field have noted that such features could foster greater media literacy, encouraging users to critically evaluate and select sources based on credibility, accuracy, and relevance.

To implement this, users will need to access their Google account settings or a dedicated section within the Search app. From there, a simple interface allows browsing through a curated list of verified news publishers. Google has emphasized that only reputable sources, vetted through its existing quality guidelines, will be available for selection. This vetting process draws from Google's long-standing efforts to combat fake news, including partnerships with fact-checking organizations and algorithms that demote low-quality content. In India, this aligns with ongoing collaborations with local entities to promote authentic journalism.

The rollout is expected to begin gradually, starting with a beta phase for select users before a wider release. Google has indicated that feedback from Indian users will be crucial in refining the feature, potentially incorporating suggestions for better integration with voice search or mobile notifications. This user-centric approach underscores Google's broader strategy in emerging markets, where India represents one of its largest user bases with over 500 million internet users, many of whom rely on Search as their primary gateway to news.

Beyond personalization, the feature has broader implications for the news industry. Publishers stand to benefit from increased visibility among loyal audiences, which could drive traffic and engagement. For smaller or niche outlets, this presents an opportunity to compete with larger players by being directly chosen by users. However, it also raises questions about discoverability—will users stick to familiar names, or will they explore new ones? Google has hinted at including recommendations to introduce users to diverse sources, perhaps based on their search history or trending topics, to encourage broader exposure.

From a technological standpoint, this feature builds on Google's existing personalization tools, such as those in Google News or Discover feeds. It leverages machine learning to understand user preferences over time, adapting results dynamically. For example, if a user selects sources focused on environmental issues, subsequent searches for "climate change" might surface articles from those outlets first, supplemented by others for comprehensiveness. Privacy is a key consideration here; Google assures that selections are stored securely and can be modified or reset at any time, with options to opt out entirely for a more neutral search experience.

In the context of India's evolving digital landscape, this feature arrives amid regulatory discussions around data privacy and content moderation. The country's Information Technology rules emphasize the need for platforms to curb misinformation, and Google's tool could complement these efforts by giving users agency. It also ties into global trends, where platforms like Twitter (now X) and Facebook have introduced similar customization options, though Google's integration directly into Search sets it apart due to the engine's ubiquity.

Critics, however, caution that while empowering, such features might inadvertently reinforce biases if users only select sources that align with their views. To counter this, Google plans educational prompts within the interface, reminding users of the value in diverse perspectives. Additionally, the feature supports multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for non-English speakers, which is vital in a nation where over 1,600 languages and dialects are spoken.

Looking ahead, this could pave the way for more advanced personalization in other regions. Google has not yet specified timelines for global expansion, but the India-first approach suggests it's testing waters in a market known for high engagement and rapid adoption of tech innovations. Users excited about the feature can look forward to a more tailored search experience that respects their choices while promoting quality journalism.

Overall, Google's new feature represents a thoughtful evolution in how search engines interact with news consumption. By placing control in the hands of users, it not only enhances satisfaction but also contributes to a healthier information ecosystem. As digital habits continue to evolve, tools like this could become standard, reshaping the way we discover and engage with the world through our screens. (Word count: 912)

Read the Full moneycontrol.com Article at:
[ https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/google-s-new-feature-will-allow-users-in-india-to-pick-their-favourite-news-sources-in-search-article-13448326.html ]

Similar Media and Entertainment Publications

[ Sun, Jul 20th ]: TechCrunch

Google Discoveradds A Isummariesthreateningpublisherswithfurthertrafficdeclines Tech Crunch

N※N

Google Empowers Indian Users to Curate Their Own News in Search

Google's Innovative Feature Empowers Indian Users to Customize News Sources in Search