Google is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing a subscription-based model for accessing premium artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, marking a potential shift from its traditionally free services.
Owned by Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), Google might integrate advanced AI search features into its premium services, including the newly introduced AI assistant, Gemini, the Financial Times said.
This move could place select AI-powered functionalities behind a paywall, a first for Google's content.
Despite considering this new approach, the conventional search engine will remain free, albeit ad-supported, said the FT.
Google continues to dominate search with 91.5% of all internet queries taking place using its engine. Its ad revenue was $238 billion last year.