Key Points
- European Commission opens antitrust probe into Google’s AI Overview and AI Mode services.
- Investigation examines whether publishers receive compensation or an opt‑out option for AI use of their content.
- YouTube content used for training Google’s generative AI models is also under scrutiny.
- EU officials warn the practices could give Google an unfair advantage over rival AI developers.
- Google argues the probe could hinder innovation in an increasingly competitive market.
EU Commission Opens Antitrust Investigation
The European Commission announced that it is opening an antitrust investigation into Google’s artificial‑intelligence (AI) practices. The inquiry centers on two main areas: the use of web publishers’ content for Google’s AI Overview and AI Mode services, and the use of content uploaded to YouTube for training Google’s generative AI models.
Publisher Content and AI Overview/Mode
The Commission wants to determine whether Google has incorporated material from web publishers into its AI Overview and AI Mode tools without providing “appropriate compensation” or offering publishers the ability to refuse such use. Regulators note that many publishers rely heavily on Google Search for traffic and could be pressured to allow AI usage to maintain access.
YouTube Content and AI Training
The second focus of the investigation is Google’s practice of using videos and other material uploaded to YouTube to train its AI models. The Commission is concerned that creators are not receiving proper compensation and lack a clear option to opt out of having their content used for AI development. The investigation points out that, under current YouTube terms, creators must permit Google to use their data in exchange for the ability to host media on the platform.
Competition Concerns
EU officials argue that the alleged practices could give Google an unfair advantage over rival AI developers, who are unable to use YouTube content for training. This could breach EU competition rules that aim to ensure a level playing field for all market participants.
Official Reactions
Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s executive vice‑president for a clean, just, and competitive transition, emphasized that AI progress must not come at the expense of fundamental societal principles. She stated that the investigation seeks to verify whether Google imposed unfair terms on publishers and creators while disadvantaging competitors.
A Google spokesperson responded that the investigation “risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever.” The spokesperson added that Europeans deserve the benefits of the latest technologies and that Google will continue to work closely with the news and creative industries as they transition to the AI era.
Source: engadget.com