Could Google’s AI Overview Cost You Your OSCP Certification?

In recent months, Google has introduced its AI Overview feature, which adds a new layer of functionality to traditional search results by providing concise, AI-generated summaries. While this feature has been praised for improving accessibility and efficiency in search, it has also raised questions about its implications for highly regulated environments, such as the OSCP exam. This article dives deeper into these concerns and examines whether Google’s AI Overview should be treated as a chatbot and, therefore, a compliance risk for exam-takers.

What Is Google’s AI Overview?

Google’s AI Overview is not a chatbot. Unlike interactive tools such as ChatGPT or OffSec Oscar, it doesn’t allow users to pose questions and receive tailored, conversational answers. Instead, it provides static summaries of search results, streamlining information that’s already publicly accessible. In essence, it’s a passive enhancement of Google Search that improves efficiency without directly engaging with the user.

The OffSec Response

When I reached out to Offensive Security (#OffSec) for clarification on whether using Google’s AI Overview violates the OSCP exam rules, I received a thoughtful response. OffSec reiterated that the use of AI tools is strictly…