Google launches pay-per-use AI licensing pilot for publishers

Google has launched a pay-per-use AI licensing pilot for publishers, offering usage-based payments with no upfront fees and an opt-out option, though payout calculations remain opaque. The program, confirmed as an early-stage test, provides an "AI contribution" panel in Search Console showing monthly earnings. At least dozens of publishers, mainly small and mid-sized, have been approached, with some execs praising Google's collaborative approach despite limited transparency. Critics view the payments as a strategic hedge against legal and regulatory risks rather than fair compensation, with early returns described as "peanuts" relative to ad revenue. Smaller publishers may benefit most, while larger ones question the program's value.