Alphabet’s Google is facing a fresh European Commission antitrust investigation into whether it uses publishers’ websites and YouTube content to train and power its artificial‑intelligence features without fair compensation or an opt‑out for rights holders. According to the original report, the probe focuses on AI‑generated summaries such as AI Overviews and AI Mode, which display AI answers above traditional search links. [1][3]

EU officials say they are examining concerns that Google may include information from news outlets and other websites in its AI results without offering adequate payment or allowing publishers to opt out. The Commission is also reviewing related practices, including whether Google’s spam and “site reputation” policies disadvantage legitimate publishers’ visibility and monetisation. Government figures and regulatory filings show the inquiry could trigger remedies or fines under the Digital Markets Act and other competition rules. [1][6][7]

EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera warned that “Google may be abusing its dominant position as a search engine to impose unfair trading conditions on publishers by using their online content to provide its own AI-powered services.” She added that “A healthy information ecosystem depends on publishers having the resources to produce quality content. We will not allow gatekeepers to dictate those choices.” The Commission has up to 12 months to conclude parts of the probe, and potential penalties could reach double‑digit percentages of global turnover. [1][6][7]

Google pushed back, arguing the complaint risks harming competition. A company spokesperson said, “This complaint risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever,” and affirmed Google’s intention to continue partnering with news and creative industries “as they transition to the AI era.” According to the announcement, the company also maintains that AI Overviews and related features benefit users and partners. [1][2][3]

Publisher and industry groups have been sharply critical. The Independent Publishers Alliance and the Movement for an Open Web, through adviser Tim Cowen, argued the company has upended the implicit bargain that underpins the open web: “Google has broken the bargain that underpins the internet,” he said, accusing Google of prioritising Gemini and its AiO product over traditional search results and of exploiting site content to train its models. Those groups contend current opt‑out or licensing mechanisms are ineffective and leave creators uncompensated. [1]

The inquiry follows a string of EU actions against major U.S. tech firms as Brussels tightens rules under the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act. Recent enforcement has included large fines for other platforms and a separate probe into Google’s spam policy launched earlier, signalling a broader regulatory push to shape how dominant platforms deploy AI and manage search ranking practices. Analysts say the combined scrutiny heightens transatlantic tensions over digital regulation but underscores the EU’s determination to assert regulatory sovereignty in the digital economy. [5][7][6]

The Google investigation also sits amid parallel global debates over data and copyright for AI training. An Indian government proposal this week suggested requiring royalties for use of copyrighted local content by AI companies, highlighting divergent international approaches, from opt‑out models to mandatory levies, and underscoring the policy complexity regulators face when balancing innovation, creators’ rights and competition. Stakeholders globally remain divided, with industry groups warning of costs to innovation and rights holders seeking stronger remuneration. [4]

The Commission’s move is the latest flashpoint in an evolving regulatory landscape. According to reporting from Reuters and other outlets, the EU is signalling that competition law will be applied to AI features where gatekeepers’ market power could reshape who benefits from online content; the outcome of the probe could set precedents for licensing, opt‑out mechanisms and platform obligations in the AI era. [3][5]

📌 Reference Map:

##Reference Map:

  • [1] (PYMNTS / Reuters original) - Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 8
  • [2] (AP) - Paragraph 4
  • [3] (Reuters) - Paragraph 1, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 8
  • [4] (Reuters - India AI royalties) - Paragraph 7
  • [5] (Reuters - EU crackdown) - Paragraph 6, Paragraph 8
  • [6] (AP - search practices) - Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 6
  • [7] (Reuters - spam policy probe) - Paragraph 2, Paragraph 6

Source: Noah Wire Services