Google Plans to Charge for AI-powered Search Engine

United States – Google plans to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered search engine feature named Search Generative Experience (SGE). The tech giant is expected to charge a fee to allow access to AI-powered search.

Google is adding an AI chatbot to Search to create Snapshots, brief explanations of search queries, alongside helpful links that may offer more information.

At launch, they stated plans to allow ads in Snapshots to generate revenue. However, based on the report, it seems that Google is now taking a different path.

The information comes from a Financial Times report, which cites unnamed sources. It is said that Google may charge a fee to allow access to AI-powered 'Search'.

That is because Google recently expanded SGE testing to include users in the US, who didn't even sign up for the feature.

This change probably will not happen right away. However, when the tech giant finally releases the service to the public, users may have to pay for it.

The report does not mention whether a specific revenue system has been decided for the service. However, speculations suggest that it could be combined with the recently introduced Gemini Advanced subscription for the most advanced version of Gemini AI.

However, it could also be offered as a standalone service. This is because Google has never charged users anything for using its 'Search' product.

This may impact website publishers who rely on traffic derived from Google 'Search' rankings for revenue. The SGE may also negatively impact them.

The report highlights the structured premium tier being planned as a solution to not losing advertiser revenue, making publishers happy. However, at the same time creating new revenue opportunities through AI integration.