Google is launching an experiment involving the placement of advertisements in search results generated by artificial intelligence (AI) based on Gemini. As reported by 9to5Google, the first to notice this new initiative was SEO consultant Brodie Clark.
According to him, ads appear at the bottom of responses generated by chatbots and are labeled as "sponsored" content. These links are almost indistinguishable from regular links created by AI.
Currently, the new AI search interface does not allow users to hide these ad blocks. Google previously announced the option to hide sponsored results in traditional search, but these settings appear not to extend to the AI mode.
Google has stated that this is only a test that was announced in May this year. The company assures that advertisements should not appear for all users. Google also informed 9to5Google that there are no plans to fully integrate ads into AI mode at this time. Nevertheless, this experiment indicates a search for monetization strategies in AI services.
The testing of advertising in AI mode is already provoking discussions about the future of such solutions. Chatbots are currently positioned as personal assistants, and the introduction of ad blocks in their responses could negatively affect user perception.