Research Disclaimer
This Research Disclaimer explains the scope, limitations and appropriate use of research, statistics, frameworks, observations, models and related publications produced or published by CGO Media.
Executive Summary
CGO Media publishes independent research relating to search behaviour, search engine optimisation, generative engine optimisation, artificial intelligence, digital discovery, online visibility, organisational authority and related areas.
Our research is intended to inform discussion, analysis and decision-making. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future performance, a promise of commercial results, or a substitute for professional legal, financial, regulatory, technical, medical or other specialist advice.
Research findings represent our interpretation of the evidence, sources, datasets and observations available at the time of publication. Search platforms, artificial intelligence systems, technologies, markets and user behaviour can change rapidly. Findings should therefore be considered within the date, scope and methodology of the individual publication.
Purpose of CGO Media Research
CGO Media conducts and publishes research to improve understanding of how search, artificial intelligence and digital discovery systems influence the way organisations, information, products, services and expertise are found, evaluated, cited and recommended.
Publications may include original research, observational research, statistical analysis, industry analysis, conceptual frameworks, maturity models, implementation models, comparative analysis and structured interpretations of publicly available information.
Research is published for educational, informational and analytical purposes. Readers remain responsible for determining whether any particular finding, framework, methodology or recommendation is appropriate for their own circumstances.
Research Has Limitations
No research project can capture every variable affecting search visibility, user behaviour, artificial intelligence systems or organisational performance.
Individual publications may therefore be subject to limitations including sample size, source availability, geographic scope, time period, platform access, data availability, methodology, measurement constraints and changes occurring after data collection.
Where material limitations are known, CGO Media aims to explain them within the relevant research publication or supporting methodology.
Absence of a factor from a particular study should not be interpreted as evidence that the factor is unimportant. Similarly, the identification of an association, pattern or observed relationship does not automatically establish causation.
Search and Artificial Intelligence Systems Change Rapidly
Search engines, generative AI systems, answer engines, recommendation systems and digital platforms are continuously evolving.
Algorithms, ranking systems, retrieval methods, model behaviour, citations, interfaces, training approaches, commercial arrangements and platform policies may change without notice.
A research observation that accurately reflects a system at the time of testing may not remain identical in future versions of that system. Research relating to AI-generated answers may also produce different outputs when prompts, users, locations, model versions, system settings or dates change.
For this reason, readers should consider the publication date and research period when interpreting CGO Media research.
Statistics and Quantitative Information
Statistical information published by CGO Media may originate from original analysis, third-party datasets, public records, industry studies, platform information or a combination of sources.
Where statistics are derived from third-party sources, CGO Media aims to identify and cite the underlying source wherever reasonably possible. Readers should review the original source when a statistic is material to a commercial, academic or professional decision.
Statistics may be revised when new evidence, updated datasets or improved measurement becomes available.
Figures should not be assumed to apply equally across every industry, organisation, country, audience or market unless the research explicitly supports such an interpretation.
Third-Party Sources and Information
CGO Media research may reference or analyse information produced by search engines, technology companies, academic institutions, government bodies, research organisations, businesses, publishers and other third parties.
The inclusion of a source does not imply endorsement of the source, organisation, product, service or viewpoint concerned.
CGO Media seeks to use credible and relevant sources, but cannot guarantee that information supplied by third parties is complete, error-free or permanently available.
External websites and datasets may also be changed, moved, corrected or removed after publication.
Frameworks, Models and Research Concepts
CGO Media develops proprietary research frameworks, conceptual models, maturity models and analytical structures to help explain complex search and AI discovery environments.
These models are designed as analytical tools. They simplify complex systems so that patterns, relationships and strategic considerations can be examined more clearly.
A framework should not be interpreted as a claim that every organisation will experience the same sequence, outcome or performance level. Organisations may require different approaches depending on their sector, geography, authority, technology, regulatory obligations, resources and competitive environment.
Forecasts and Forward-Looking Statements
Some CGO Media publications may discuss possible future developments, emerging trends or likely areas of change.
Such statements are analytical interpretations rather than guarantees. Future developments may differ materially due to technological, regulatory, commercial, economic, competitive or behavioural changes.
Readers should not treat forecasts, scenarios or forward-looking research commentary as certainty.
No Guarantee of Search, GEO or Commercial Performance
Research findings, frameworks and recommendations published by CGO Media do not guarantee rankings, AI citations, inclusion in generative answers, traffic growth, leads, revenue, market share or any other commercial outcome.
Search visibility and AI visibility are influenced by numerous factors, many of which are controlled by third-party platforms or are outside the control of any individual organisation.
Historical performance or observed outcomes should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future results.
Not Professional Advice
CGO Media research is not intended to constitute legal, financial, investment, accounting, regulatory, medical or other regulated professional advice.
Organisations operating in regulated industries should obtain appropriate specialist advice before acting on matters involving legal obligations, financial decisions, patient care, consumer protection, regulatory compliance or similar professional responsibilities.
Research Independence and Commercial Relationships
CGO Media is both a research organisation and a provider of professional search, SEO, GEO and AI visibility services.
This creates a responsibility to distinguish research findings from commercial claims. CGO Media aims to maintain that distinction through transparent methodology, source citation, research governance and appropriate disclosure.
The publication of research should not be interpreted as a representation that organisations must purchase CGO Media services in order to respond to the findings.
Where a material commercial relationship, sponsorship or other conflict could reasonably affect interpretation of a research publication, CGO Media aims to disclose that relationship.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research
AI-assisted technologies may be used within research, analysis, information organisation, data processing, drafting, quality assurance or related research workflows where appropriate.
The use of AI tools does not remove the responsibility of the named researcher, author or CGO Media research team for reviewing the final published work.
Material factual claims, statistics and citations should not be treated as verified merely because they have been generated or processed using an artificial intelligence system.
Errors, Updates and Corrections
Despite reasonable efforts to maintain accuracy, research may contain errors, incomplete information or findings that require revision as new evidence becomes available.
CGO Media supports correction and updating of research where appropriate. Material corrections may be documented in accordance with our research governance and corrections procedures.
Readers who identify a possible factual error, citation problem or methodological issue are encouraged to contact CGO Media so the matter can be reviewed.
Responsibility for Use of Research
Users of CGO Media research are responsible for evaluating whether a publication is appropriate for their intended purpose.
Decisions should not be based solely on a headline, individual statistic, chart, infographic or isolated quotation. Where a finding is important, readers should consider the complete publication, methodology, research period, source material and stated limitations.
Organisations applying a CGO Media framework or research finding should consider their own circumstances, market, regulatory environment, technical infrastructure and professional obligations.
Citation and Reuse
Journalists, researchers, organisations and other publishers may cite CGO Media research subject to applicable copyright, licensing and attribution requirements.
Quotations, statistics and findings should be presented in context and should not be edited or presented in a way that materially changes their meaning.
Where a publication has been updated, users should where practicable cite the most current version and include the publication date or version information where relevant.
Related Research Governance
This disclaimer should be read alongside CGO Media's wider research governance and publishing standards.
Relevant resources include the Research Methodology, Research Architecture, Ethics & Integrity policy, Corrections policy, Citation Guidance and Usage & Licensing guidance.
Together, these documents explain how CGO Media approaches research design, evidence, interpretation, publication, correction and reuse.
Conclusion
CGO Media research is designed to contribute useful evidence, analysis and structured thinking to rapidly developing areas of search, artificial intelligence and digital discovery.
Research should always be interpreted in the context of its methodology, evidence base, publication date and stated limitations. It should inform professional judgement rather than replace it.
CGO Media is committed to improving its research as evidence, technologies and methodologies develop and welcomes legitimate scrutiny, correction and academic or professional discussion of its published work.
Last updated: September 2026