Google May Charge for Premium AI-Generated Search Content

Google is reported to be considering charging for certain AI-powered premium search features and content, according to the Financial Times. This would be the first time Google has charged for any of its core search content.

The reported plans involve adding AI search capabilities to Google’s existing premium subscription services like the new AI assistant Gemini. The traditional free Google search with ads would remain.

Google has faced some challenges with its AI products like Gemini mistakenly generating offensive images earlier this year. However, Google remains the dominant search engine globally with over 1 billion daily users.

Most of Google’s massive revenues currently come from advertising. Charging for premium AI content could diversify its business model as AI capabilities advance rapidly.

Google has not confirmed the reported plans, stating it is “not working on or considering an ad-free search experience” but will “continue to build new premium capabilities” for subscriptions. No official announcements have been made yet.

The reports suggest Google may start monetizing advanced AI search features as a premium paid offering, while keeping its core ad-supported search free – marking a potential shift in its business approach as AI develops. But Google has not officially announced such plans so far.