TLDR
- European Commission launches antitrust investigation into Google for using web publishers’ content and YouTube videos for AI training without proper compensation.
- The probe examines whether Google abuses its dominant search position by imposing unfair terms on publishers while favoring its own AI services.
- Google faces potential fines up to 10% of global annual revenue if found guilty of breaching EU competition rules.
- Investigation focuses on AI Overviews and whether publishers can opt out without losing Google Search access.
- Latest in series of EU actions against U.S. tech companies, including recent probes into Meta and fines against X.
The European Commission opened an antitrust investigation into Google on Tuesday. The tech giant faces scrutiny over how it uses online content for artificial intelligence training.
EU regulators are questioning whether Google violated competition rules. The investigation targets the company’s use of web publishers’ content and YouTube videos to develop AI models.
The Commission wants to know if Google compensates publishers fairly. Regulators are also examining whether publishers can refuse content use without losing access to Google Search.
“AI is bringing remarkable innovation and many benefits for people and businesses across Europe, but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies,” said Teresa Ribera, EU competition commissioner.
The probe will look at AI Overviews and AI Mode. These features generate AI-powered summaries that appear above traditional search results in over 100 countries.
Financial Risk For Google
Google could face massive financial penalties if found guilty. The potential fine reaches 10% of the company’s global annual revenue.
The Commission is investigating whether Google abuses its dominant search position. Regulators believe the company may impose unfair trading conditions on publishers while using their content for its own AI services.
Google defended itself against the allegations. “This complaint risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever,” a company spokesperson said. The tech giant pledged to work with news and creative industries during the AI transition.
The investigation also covers Google’s use of YouTube videos. The EU wants to determine if the same compensation and consent issues apply to user-uploaded content.
Broader Tech Regulatory Wave
This marks the latest EU crackdown on American tech companies. The Commission launched an investigation into Meta’s WhatsApp AI policies last week.
On Friday, regulators fined Elon Musk’s X 120 million euros for transparency violations. The penalty addressed advertising repository issues and blue checkmark design practices.
Google already faced a nearly 3 billion euro fine in September. That penalty targeted antitrust violations in the advertising technology industry. Google called the decision wrong and filed an appeal.
The current investigation started after independent publishers filed a complaint in July. They raised concerns about content usage for AI purposes.
Google began adding advertisements to AI Overviews last May. The EU probe examines whether rival AI developers face disadvantages due to Google’s content access.
Ribera called the investigation “a strong signal” of the EU’s commitment. The Commission aims to protect online press and ensure fair competition in AI markets.
The Commission said it’s concerned about privileged access to content. Regulators want to verify if Google places competing AI model developers at a disadvantage through its content practices.
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