Will Google’s Search Services Be Paid?

Morrissey Technology – Google plans to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered search engine feature, dubbed Search Generative Experience (SGE). Google may also charge a fee to allow access to AI-powered search. Google is adding AI chatbots to Search to create Snapshots, brief explanations of search queries, along with helpful links that may offer more information.

At its launch, the tech company said it plans to allow ads on Snapshots to generate revenue. However, based on this report, it seems that Google is now taking a different path. The information comes from a Financial Times report, which cited unnamed sources. It said Google may charge a fee to allow access to AI-powered Search. That’s because the company recently expanded its SGE testing to include users in the US who didn’t even sign up for the feature.

This change may not happen immediately. However, when the tech giant finally releases the service to the public, users may have to pay for it. The report did not say whether a specific revenue system has been decided for the service. However, speculation suggests the system could be bundled with the recently introduced Gemini Advanced subscription for the most advanced version of its Gemini AI.

On the other hand, it can also be offered as a standalone service. This is considering that Google has never charged users anything to use its core Search product. This may also impact website publishers who rely on traffic coming from Google Search rankings for revenue. SGE FOR4D can also have a negative impact on them. The report highlights structured premium tiers are being planned as a solution to avoid losing advertiser revenue, making publishers happy. However, at the same time it creates new revenue opportunities through its AI integration.