Google has started rolling out ads in its AI mode and AI Overviews in the US, claiming they are “helpful” to users. The company says these ads provide new opportunities for customers by allowing them to quickly connect with relevant businesses and products at the exact moment they need them.
According to a support document, internal data shows that people have been finding the ads within AI Overviews helpful, as they can navigate to specific services or products directly from the search results. However, some users have expressed concerns about the impact of these ads on user experience, with one commenter noting that Google’s search results often elide important words and return unrelated results.
Despite concerns, Google expects these ads to increase its advertising revenue, which reached $72.5 billion in the last quarter. The company is expanding its ad presence beyond traditional blue links to AI search results, but it remains unclear whether this move will ultimately benefit or harm users.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-claims-users-find-ads-in-ai-search-helpful