Google Eyes Ads in Gemini AI Chat

Google executives have acknowledged that the company is considering the integration of advertisements into its Gemini AI application. This potential development follows a similar strategy already implemented by OpenAI, which displays ads within its free and lower-tiered ChatGPT plans.

During a recent investor call, Google's business chief indicated that advertising formats successful in AI Mode for search could be transferred to the Gemini app. He suggested that well-executed ads can provide valuable commercial information, though he stressed that the company is proceeding cautiously. Google currently includes advertisements in its AI Overviews for search results and has been testing ads within AI Mode, a feature that allows users to interact with Gemini within Google search.

Currently, the standalone Gemini app, even for free users, does not feature advertisements. While in January the focus was primarily on AI Overviews and AI Mode, the conversation has evolved to more openly discuss the possibility of ads within the Gemini app itself.

Competitor OpenAI has already introduced ads into ChatGPT for users on its free and $8-a-month Go plans. These ads are clearly marked as sponsored and are stated by OpenAI to have no impact on the AI's generated responses. In contrast, Anthropic has stated it will not implement ads in its Claude app, famously referencing OpenAI's ad strategy in a past advertisement.

The integration of ads into AI services, provided they are clearly marked and do not influence responses, could make these powerful tools more accessible. However, a lack of transparency or any influence from sponsors on AI-generated answers would pose a significant problem.