Buying links or mentions, or manufacturing fake ones, is a link-spam violation. Authority has to be earned; bought signals are a liability, not an asset. Manufactured mentions/links. Link-spam policy; the AI guide warns inauthentic mentions aren’t as helpful as claimed.
Why does inauthentic/bought mentions or links matter for AI search?
Link-spam policy; the AI guide warns inauthentic mentions aren’t as helpful as claimed.
How do you fix it?
Earn genuine mentions only.
How do you find it on your site?
- Audit recent links and mentions for paid or inauthentic patterns.
- Flag bought, exchanged or manufactured links.
- Disavow or remove what you can and stop the practice.
- Invest in earning genuine coverage instead.
Which ranking and citation factors does it touch?
Inauthentic links violate spam policy and can trigger action. Earned authority is the only durable kind.
What is the impact?
Medium-high; penalty risk. Direct.
What is the evidence?
Inauthentic mentions/link schemes are ineffective and against policy. Google Search Central, Optimizing your website for generative AI features on Google Search; Google Search Central, Spam policies for Google web search
Sources
Frequently asked questions about inauthentic/bought mentions or links
What does "Inauthentic/bought mentions or links" mean?
Manufactured mentions/links.
How do you fix inauthentic/bought mentions or links?
Earn genuine mentions only.