Google is now integrating advertisements into conversations within third-party AI chatbots, utilizing its AdSense network. This new initiative began testing last year, as detailed by reports from Bloomberg and TechCrunch.
The AdSense program is primarily known for placing ads on various websites; advertisers pay Google for this service, which helps Google earn a significant portion of its revenue by promoting ads both on third-party websites and through its own search results. As AI interfaces continue to gain popularity, it is an opportune time for advertisers to invest in these platforms.
With more users engaging with AI chatbots, Google has recognized the potential for ad placements to generate additional income, thereby facilitating advertising interactions within these interfaces. The testing phase for this new ad feature reportedly commenced with AI startups iAsk and Liner, with plans to expand to a wider audience this year.
A spokesperson from Google stated that “AdSense for Search” is available to websites interested in integrating relevant ads into their conversational AI experiences. However, Google’s ad business has faced considerable scrutiny in recent years.
In 2019, the company was involved in an EU antitrust case concerning ads placed in search results on external sites, a ruling which was annulled later. Recently, a US judge determined that Google holds an illegal monopoly over online ad exchanges and publisher ad servers, and the company is planning to appeal this decision.
Additionally, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai testified in a separate antitrust trial regarding Google’s dominance in online search. The US government is even considering actions that could require Google to divest its Chrome browser, arguing that it plays a crucial role in bolstering Google’s ad business by collecting user data for targeted advertising.
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