On October 27, Semrush confirmed that Google is returning distorted search results to automated tools that track site rankings. The company called the problem industry-wide: it affects data providers across the entire SEO sector.
According to Semrush, the distortion takes two forms. In the first, the results as a whole do not match the query, and the errors are visible already on the first page. In the second, the page looks normal, but lower down there are materials only loosely related to the query.
The company gave an example: in Brazil, a search for a specific children's stroller model returned a page from a dental equipment store. The cause is the common Portuguese word carrinho.
Its systems filter out clearly incorrect results at the collection stage. The company has also adjusted its data sources and added checks that flag doubtful results and collect them again. Google has not commented publicly on the situation.
For those who work with rankings, this means a clear order of action: a sharp drop in third-party tools, especially for queries unrelated to your pages, should first be checked against Google Search Console, and only then should content or strategy be changed. According to the company, the conclusion is current as of October 27 and may change; it promises to inform users if the situation changes.
