Google Tries to Implement Web Monetization in Chrome: Automatically Tip While Browsing

Google is developing a standard, yet to be recognized by the W3C, aimed at implementing monetization on the web. This standard would allow users to encourage content creators by tipping or rewarding them for their high-quality content.

Standard Overview:

Web Monetization is a web technology that enables website owners to receive small payments from users as they interact with content.

It provides a new way for content creators and website owners to be compensated for their work without solely relying on ads or subscription fees.

Notably, this technology has two unique features: micro-payments and no need for user interaction, meaning users will automatically pay or tip while consuming content.

Websites wishing to implement this feature can declare the monetization technology in the head section of their site's source code.

<link rel="monetization" href="https://example.com/pay">

According to Google, users might need to link their payment methods in advance. Then, with the feature activated, users will automatically pay a certain amount while browsing, though details such as the amount and frequency of payments are still in the planning stages.

If this technology becomes a W3C standard, it could help content websites generate income. However, pushing such features has always been challenging, and even if Google manages to make it a W3C standard, whether users will be willing to pay remains a question.

Prototype Design Overview:

Motivation: Web monetization offers a new revenue model for content creators and website owners, allowing them to earn income from their work as users consume it. It also encourages voluntary contributions, such as tipping, directly rewarding the value of a creator's content.

Technical Specification Link: https://webmonetization.org/specification

Standard Maturity: A community group is currently incubating the specification.

API Specification: True

Prototype Intent Link:

https://groups.google.com/a/chromium.org/g/blink-dev/c/4Rqw4SbjO88/m/j7x8sTyzAAAJ?pli=1