AI-powered search features have once again ignited the feud between big tech players and publishers. Google is now reportedly asking news publishers to join a new AI pilot program that may change how their content is used. According toThe Information, the program that was introduced in December with partners including The Washington Post and The Guardian, offers visibility in Google News and Gemini’s AI-powered article summaries. However, publishers who decline to participate may eventually lose payments they currently receive through Google’s Showcase programme, the publication noted.
Reportedly, the pilot programme is designed to testAI-powered newsfeatures that highlight articles in Google News and Gemini. The proposal reportedly required publishers to grant Google broad rights over how their content can be used.
Notably, the publication suggests that these rights may include publisher's articles to train Google’s AI models. When the Sundar Pichai-led company initially rolled the pilot programme in December, it did not directly say that participation could involve licensing content for AI training. But the company linked to a separate blog post explaining that it works with partners to improve its AI models using publicly available information.
For years, Google paid publishers through its Showcase programme, which allows media organisations to feature curated news panels acrossGoogle servicesin exchange for annual payments. The report notes that publishers already enrolled in Showcase would continue receiving the same annual payments if they join the AI pilot. Those who choose not to participate may still receive Showcase payments while the programme exists, but may eventually lose that funding if Google phases it out.
Google reportedly said that it continues to renewShowcase agreementsand that it is expanding partnerships through its News AI pilot programme.
A google spokesperson told the publication, “As people's news preferences change, we've been expanding our partnerships through our News AI pilot program, working with a wide range of publishers to explore how AI can drive more engaged audiences.
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Govind Choudhary is the Chief Copy Editor for Tech at Times Now with over five years of experience in the media industry. He covers consumer technolog...View More
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