Google launched ads in AI search

The search giant Google has started displaying ads in AI Search and AI Overviews modes in the United States. The company claims that such ads help people find the right products, services, and companies faster.

Bleeping Computer writes about it.

Changes in Search

At the Google Marketing Live event last week, representatives of the corporation announced the gradual introduction of ad units to AI modes. In the desktop version, they appear below the AI-generated response, followed by traditional blue links. In a whitepaper pointed out by SEO consultant GaGan Gotra, Google refers to "internal data" that allegedly confirms the benefits of such ads.

The quoted passage claims that people find AI Overviews ads useful because they allow them to go straight to a relevant business or service at the exact moment they need it. The company, however, does not disclose the methodology and figures it relies on. Google emphasizes that the new format is an additional opportunity for customers, not just a source of profit.

Ads are not a problem in themselves, but they raise concerns when they mislead users or interrupt the logic of search results. Last quarter, Google earned USD 72.5 billion from ads, and the company expects revenues to grow further as ads go beyond the classic links.

As a reminder, attackers are increasingly trying to steal Gmail user credentials by blocking access to the mailbox and using its contents for further attacks. Google has confirmed that the new type of account verification fraud is spreading, which aims to intercept the two-factor authentication (2FA) code.

We also wrote that Google is preparing the major update of its design approach in Android. According to the Google I/O schedule and data from the company's blog, the Material 3 concept is transforming into Material Design 3 Expressive. According to the developers, the new visual system should create interfaces that evoke an emotional connection with the user.