Google's Mueller: llms.txt Ineffective for LLM Website Differentiation
Google's Mueller has stated that large language model (LLM) systems are currently unable to utilize `llms.txt` files to differentiate between websites for discovery purposes. He suggested that while `llms.txt` may not assist in initial site identification, it could potentially serve a limited function once an LLM agent has already accessed a specific site.
Google's Mueller has clarified that large language model (LLM) systems are not capable of using `llms.txt` files to distinguish between various websites during the discovery phase. This indicates a limitation in how LLMs might process and categorize new web content based on these specific files.
Mueller elaborated that the `llms.txt` protocol does not appear to provide the necessary framework for LLMs to effectively differentiate sites during their initial exploration or identification processes. This suggests that other methods would be required for LLMs to discern varying website characteristics at this stage.
He further indicated that any potential role for `llms.txt` would be very narrow. This limited utility is primarily envisioned for scenarios where an LLM agent has already established a presence or interaction with a particular website, rather than for broader web discovery.
(Source: Search Engine Journal)
