Google reportedly tests paying publishers for AI search results

According to The Information, Google has launched a pilot program paying publishers based on how much their content contributes to AI Overviews, AI Mode and Gemini, with about 100 publishers taking part. One of the earliest participants earned over $1 million in a year, while another that joined a few months ago received about $50,000 to $60,000. The UK has previously required Google to let publishers opt out of AI search features, and the EU has investigated its impact on search traffic and demanded changes.