Over the past year, artificial intelligence has permeated almost every corner of the digital landscape. From virtual assistants to content generators, AI is increasingly difficult to avoid. One area where its presence is particularly noticeable is internet search. Major search engines like Google have integrated AI overviews and summaries directly into results pages, sometimes at the expense of traditional link-based listings. While some users appreciate the convenience, a growing number find these AI-generated snippets intrusive, inaccurate, or simply unwanted.

The problem with AI in search

Energy consumption is a major concern. AI data centers require enormous amounts of electricity to train and run models, and they consume vast quantities of water for cooling. Each AI-powered search query adds to this environmental toll. On top of that, the accuracy of AI responses remains questionable. Many users have encountered confidently delivered but factually incorrect information, especially in specialized fields like technical support, medicine, or local recommendations. Relying on AI for search results can thus lead users astray.

Fortunately, you don't have to abandon the convenience of major search engines to escape AI. A straightforward browser modification allows you to automatically filter out AI-generated results. The best part is that the method works across all major web browsers, with only minor variations in setup.

How the trick works

The key to blocking AI results lies in customizing the search engine URL. Google, for example, uses a URL parameter that controls the display of AI overviews. By appending &udm=14 to the standard search query, you instruct Google to show a traditional web results view without AI-generated snippets. This parameter essentially forces the search engine into a mode that predates AI integration. While other search engines might use different parameters, the concept is identical: you define a custom search engine in your browser that includes the anti-AI modifier.

Below are step‑by‑step instructions for the five most common browsers. In each case, you will create a new search engine entry that you can trigger from the address bar with a simple keyword.

Firefox

Open Firefox and navigate to Settings > Search. Scroll down to the "Search Shortcuts" section and click "Add" at the bottom. In the pop‑up, fill in the following:

• Search Engine Name: Choose a name like "Google without AI."
• URL: Enter https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14
• Keyword: Enter aig (short for "AI‑less Google").

Click "Add Engine". Now, whenever you type aig in the address bar and press Tab (or Space, depending on your settings), you can enter your query and hit Enter. The results will appear without AI overviews.

Google Chrome

Open Chrome and go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines. Click "Add" next to "Other search engines." Fill in the fields:

• Name: e.g., "No AI Google"
• Shortcut: aig
• URL: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14

Click "Add" and then make this engine your default if desired. Alternatively, use the shortcut the same way as in Firefox: type aig in the address bar, hit Tab, and search.

Microsoft Edge

Edge, built on Chromium, follows a similar path. Click the three‑dot menu > Settings > Privacy, search, and services. Scroll to the "Address bar and search" section and select "Manage search engines." Click "Add" and enter:

• Name: "Clean Google"
• Keyword: aig
• URL: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14

Click "Add" and then set it as default or use the keyword.

Opera

Opera also uses Chromium. Go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines. Click "Add" and fill in the same fields as Chrome and Edge. The URL is identical: https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14. Use the keyword aig to activate it.

Safari (macOS)

Apple's Safari requires a third‑party extension, as it does not natively support custom search engine URLs with parameters. Install "Customized Search Engine" from the Mac App Store. Once installed, open the extension's settings and replace the default Google URL with https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14. Save the changes. Now, any search performed via the Safari address bar will use this modified URL, effectively blocking AI summaries.

Beyond Google

The same principle applies to other search engines. For instance, Bing offers a parameter to disable its AI chat feature, though it may not completely eliminate AI‑generated results. DuckDuckGo, which has its own AI features, can be controlled with similar URL tweaks. Experiment by searching for the engine's documentation on query parameters. The beauty of the custom search engine approach is that you can create multiple entries for different engines, each with the appropriate filter.

As AI continues to evolve, search interactions will undoubtedly change further. For now, taking control of your search experience is as simple as adding a line of text to your browser settings. By doing so, you reduce your digital carbon footprint, avoid potential misinformation, and reclaim a cleaner, link‑focused search result page.

The method requires no software installation (except Safari users), no coding skills, and can be reversed at any time by deleting the custom search engine from your settings. Whether you're a casual user or a power searcher, this small tweak can make a noticeable difference in your daily browsing habits.

Source: ZDNET News