Google Begins Paying for News, Recognising Potential for Internet Decline

Google is testing payments to web publishers whose content is used in AI Overviews. A report has attempted to estimate the range of costs incurred by the search giant.

The use of AI Overviews has sparked significant controversy. For publishers and platforms that produce content, traffic has decreased as users are directed straight to the AI Overview.

Following this, Google is reportedly conducting payment trials with publishers. This trial is intended to provide publishers with insights into how frequently AI Overviews utilise their content.

However, the exact amount to be paid to publishers remains unclear. The Information has attempted to reveal additional details regarding the trial that pays publishers directly, including the scale of these payments.

Reportedly, around 100 digital publishers, ranging from small to medium-sized blogs and websites, are involved, though their revenues from Google vary significantly. One figure cited is approximately 1%.

Smaller sites are reported to have received less than US$1,000 (approximately Rp 17.8 million) over several months. Meanwhile, other publishers have generated between US$50,000 and US$60,000 (Rp 894.7 million to Rp 1.073 billion) so far. Other publishers have reported even higher revenues, reaching over US$1 million (Rp 17.8 billion) per year, according to 9to5Google.

It remains unclear whether the payment programme will be expanded. The Information notes that Google requires these web publishers to remain active to ensure the platform’s models and answers remain up-to-date and accurate.