Google to integrate web monetization in Chrome, enabling micro-payments to websites

Google is reportedly integrating Web Monetization into Google Chrome, introducing a new way for users to make micro-payments to websites. This feature provides an alternative revenue stream for webmasters and publishers, complementing or replacing traditional ad-based and subscription-based models. Google emphasizes that the payment process is automatic once set up, eliminating the need for direct user interaction.

Web Monetization supports small payments, allowing users to contribute to content creators without incurring significant transaction fees. Websites can signal their support for this feature using an HTML Link element (rel="monetization"), and payments are processed automatically if users have a compatible wallet set up. Users retain full control over which websites they support and the amounts they contribute, ensuring a personalized and transparent payment experience. Once a wallet is configured, the payment process operates seamlessly in the background as users browse supported content.

This might somehow sound similar to what Brave has already implemented with its on-chain Web3 crypto contributions to Brave Creators, or even to other monetization platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi, although Google's approach claims to be aimed at reducing transaction fees and minimizing the need for intermediary services.