Google is planning to introduce a new micropayment platform which is an extension of Google Checkout,  to charge for content online. This payment platform(micropayment) is headed towards the newspapers who want to charge for their digital content.

Google’s  vision in response to NAA’s request for paid content proposal is

“Google believes that an open web benefits all users and publishers. However, “open” need not mean free. We believe that content on the Internet can thrive supported by multiple business models — including content available only via subscription.“

It would charge anything from penny to dollars and will also share the revenue with the publishers. It will follow a credit system of subscription and payment based on the past credit of the user. The question is will it solve the economic challenges that print media is facing??? google says it will only be an assistance to those challenges but not the exact solution .

With this I hope criticism of google by print media  for years will slow down. Micropayment  has got the potential to monetize the digital assets of print media.

Image Credit : Los Angeles Times

Follow-up

Cnet News :Google moves toward micropayments for newspapers

by     Caroline McCarthy

TechCrunch : There We Go Again. No, Micropayments Won’t “Save Journalism”

Niemanlab : Google developing a micropayment platform and pitching newspapers: “‘Open’ need not mean free” by Zachary M. Seward

The New York Times :Google Plans Tools to Help News Media Char ge for Content by Miguel Helft