Google May Be More Successful in Blocking Scrapers & Tracking Tools

Google may be strengthening its ability to block search scrapers, AI crawlers, rank trackers, and other automated tools that collect data from Google Search. Recent reports from the SEO industry indicate that some third-party platforms are experiencing significantly reduced access to Google Search data.

According to a September 18, 2026 report from Search Engine Roundtable, Nozzle founder Derek Perkins said his tools were able to retrieve approximately 80% less Google Search data than before. SISTRIX also reported that Google had made further changes to how search results are delivered, resulting in a reduced data-collection rate.

These developments could affect SEO rank tracking, SERP monitoring, competitor research, keyword tracking, and AI search visibility tools that depend on automated collection of Google Search results. However, the available reports do not establish that Google is blocking every third-party SEO platform or tracking tool.

Google has been taking technical measures against automated access to its search results. In August, Google confirmed that it was deploying technical measures in response to evolving forms of abuse, following reports about changes involving search-result links and automated scraping.

For SEO professionals, the situation highlights the importance of using multiple sources when evaluating search performance. Google Search Console, analytics data, first-party website data, and third-party rank-tracking platforms can provide different perspectives, and discrepancies may become more noticeable when automated SERP collection is disrupted.

At this stage, the reports should be viewed as an evolving industry development rather than confirmation that all scraping and tracking tools have been blocked. Google’s official Search Status Dashboard currently does not list a general Search crawling or indexing incident associated with these reports.

Key Highlights

Google Anti-Scraping: Search-result collection may be facing stronger automated-access controls.
Reported Data Drop: Nozzle reportedly observed about an 80% reduction in retrievable Google Search data.
SISTRIX Impact: SISTRIX reported reduced data collection after changes to Search-result delivery.
SEO Tools: Rank tracking and SERP monitoring platforms could experience measurement limitations.
AI Search Tools: Automated systems collecting Google Search or AI-result data may also be affected.
No Universal Block Confirmed: Current reports do not establish that every SEO or tracking tool is being blocked.
SEO Measurement: Businesses should compare third-party rankings with first-party performance data.
Ongoing Development: Google’s anti-abuse systems and Search-result delivery mechanisms continue to evolve.