Google Mulls Charging for Premium AI-Powered Search Results

Google is reportedly exploring the potential of charging customers for entry to “premium” web search outcomes pushed by synthetic intelligence (AI), a current report reveals.

In response to sources, the tech behemoth is evaluating varied methods for leveraging AI know-how, together with integrating superior search functionalities into its premium subscription choices.

Underneath the proposed plans, Google’s main search engine would stay freely accessible, with further content material reserved for paying subscribers, as disclosed by insiders to the Monetary Occasions.

Even for subscribers, commercials would proceed to accompany search outcomes, the report notes, highlighting the huge person base of over a billion individuals who utilise the search instrument every month.

Whereas Google already monetises sure options corresponding to expanded storage and its “AI Premium” service, granting entry to the brand new Gemini AI assistant in platforms like Gmail and Docs, this potential initiative would mark the primary occasion of inserting core merchandise behind a paywall.

The Monetary Occasions obtained insights into these deliberations from three sources inside Google, indicating ongoing efforts by engineers to develop enhanced AI instruments. Nevertheless, firm executives are but to finalize choices relating to the introduction and timing of this characteristic.

Responding to queries, a spokesperson for Google knowledgeable Sky Information, “We’re not engaged on or contemplating an ad-free search expertise.” They reiterated Google’s dedication to repeatedly enhancing subscription choices with new premium capabilities and providers.

Amidst fierce competitors amongst tech companies in harnessing AI, Google’s methods have drawn scrutiny, with some observers suggesting the corporate is grappling to maintain tempo with rivals like ChatGPT.

Latest controversies surrounding Google’s AI purposes embrace reviews of proscribing its AI chatbot Gemini from addressing election-related queries in sure areas resulting from issues about disseminating deceptive data. Moreover, in February, Google ceased the instrument’s picture technology perform following complaints relating to “inaccurate” historic depictions of people.