Google Considers Charging for Premium Search Engine
The Facts
The Financial Times (FT) has reported that Google is considering charging users for access to "premium" artificial intelligence (AI) features of the technology company's search engine.
The report claims that Google's standard search engine will remain free, while both the company's traditional and premium services will be accompanied by advertisements. In a press statement, Google claimed that it was "not working on or considering an ad-free search experience."
The Spin
Narrative A
If Google goes through with a plan to charge a subscription fee for using AI search, it'll risk alienating its users. If people don't think AI search is that much of an improvement on regular search, they won't want to pay. Google would be better off finding new ways to monetize AI search, whether it's through different forms of ads or a referral fee from brands.
Narrative B
Google is wise to consider every revenue stream possible when it comes to its AI search, which will come with increased costs to the company. Although it has yet to see its market share decrease during the uptick in the AI bonanza, Google knows it can't be complacent and just rely on its name and/or the current revenue model to keep it on top.
