Google Pays Publishers by the Value of Their Content

Google has rolled out a pay-per-value AI licensing program for publishers, but critics claim it's more of a legal fig leaf than a meaningful payout. Unlike other tech giants like OpenAI, which have struck large lump-sum deals with major news publishers, Google has been quietly testing a Search Console-based program that pays publishers when their content 'significantly' contributes to AI-generated responses.

According to multiple industry sources close to the situation, Google's pay-per-value scheme is currently live across Gemini, AI Overviews, and AI mode. The tech giant has steered clear of large lump-sum licensing deals, instead opting for a more nuanced approach that rewards publishers based on their content's value.

Critics argue that this program looks less like a genuine payout and more like an attempt to cover up the fact that Google is still using copyrighted material without permission. They claim that the program is too vague and doesn't provide enough transparency about how payments are calculated or distributed.