Search engine giant Google could be making a big move: An AI paywall in Google Search.
Recent reports from BBC and many others suggest the company might be looking into using artificial intelligence (AI) to put some of its content behind a paywall.
This means that some information you’re used to getting for free might soon come with a price tag.
What is a paywall?
Let’s break down the basics. A paywall is an online system that limits who can see certain content online. It’s like a fence around a website – you can see what’s inside, but you’ll usually need to pay a fee to enter. Some websites use “soft paywalls”, which allow you to see a bit before making you pay, while others have “hard paywalls” that block off their content completely. Many news websites use paywalls to make money from their articles and reports.
Google’s twist – AI decides the price
The interesting thing about Google’s possible paywall isn’t just that it exists, it’s how they might use AI to make it work. Imagine an AI system that watches what you do online – the websites you visit, the articles you read, and even how long you spend on certain pages. Google could use this information to guess how much you might be willing to pay for different types of content.
The AI could create different prices for different people depending on what it “thinks” they’re likely to pay. Or, instead of different prices, it could create different levels of access. Maybe some people would still get some content for free, while others with a paid subscription would have access to extra features or search results.
Why is Google considering this?
Like any company, Google is always looking for new ways to make money.
While a lot of money comes in through advertising, putting some of its huge information resources behind a paywall could be another way to make a profit. Right now, Google has premium subscriptions that offer some bonus features in their tools like Gmail and Google Docs, but search has remained largely free.
The murmurs of change – what the reports suggest?
It’s important to note that no official word has come from Google about this. The information is based on reports and leaks, not straight from the horse’s mouth as they say. Still, the leaks suggest the plan is being discussed within the company, even if the final decision is still up in the air.
If Google does implement an AI-powered paywall, it could have a ripple effect across the internet. Websites, publishers, and individual content creators might look at its model to find their own ways of using AI to charge for their work. It’s too early to say exactly what the change would look like, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Remember, things can change quickly in the digital world and if you are not adapting, you are missing stuff out!
Featured image credit: Emre Çıtak/Bing Image Creator
