Google begins paying publishers for AI-powered search results
Google has launched a pilot payment program covering approximately 100 publishers for content used in AI-based search features.
Google is running a new pilot program paying publishers for content used in its AI-powered search features, including AI Overviews, AI Mode, and the Gemini platform. This initiative, involving about 100 publishers, was launched in light of growing criticism and regulatory scrutiny over the impact of the tech giant's AI tools on web traffic.
Details of the pilot program
It is reported that under the pilot program launched about a year ago, publishers contributing to Google's AI-powered search results are being paid. The program is shaped based on the usage rates of content on AI Overviews, AI Mode, and the Gemini chatbot.
Publishers' earnings
Some publishers who have been involved since the early stages of the program are stated to earn over $1 million annually. Publishers who joined the system more recently have reportedly received payments ranging between $50,000 and $60,000.
Legal and sectoral pressures
Google's AI-focused search changes have been the subject of various lawsuits as well as criticism from publishers. Regulatory bodies, particularly in the European Union and the United Kingdom, are closely monitoring the impact of these technologies on web traffic.
The United Kingdom has mandated that Google give publishers the right to opt out of AI features. Meanwhile, the European Union launched an investigation into the search engine's impact on traffic and requested certain changes from Google.