> With this attack, only Google is in control. Not the user, not even the website owner, but an ad company.

You, as a website owner, can opt out via: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1h9I0TbN-H_1e85CqXYb1ng7rQfg...

> What would you think if I randomly injected my own promotional content in your HN comments in a way that's indistinguishable from your own writing?

Through what vector, the Unofficial Hacker News for iOS app that you maintain? Because that's the correct analogy here.

Also stating 'promotional content' is being disingenuous to the type of Google content states it will surface through these links, see my other comment on this thread.

I'm not in support of what Google is doing but I think we should be fair in our assessment and especially in our presentation of our assessment to others.

Only being able to opt-out by having the page registered in Google Search Console is pretty awful. I shouldn't have to use a google product to tell google to not modify my website.

> You, as a website owner, can opt out via

In other words, Google dictates the terms. I was forcibly opted in to this without my knowledge. To say no to this, I need a Google account and agree to their terms of service. How is anyone but Google in control here?

> Through what vector, the Unofficial Hacker News for iOS app that you maintain?

Through a browser, ISP, or unlawful access to HN servers. Doesn't matter. It's shady to disguise your own content as someone else's work.

> Also stating 'promotional content' is being disingenuous to the type of Google content states it will surface through these links, see my other comment on this thread.

I stand by my words. Please see the reply to your other comment.