European Commission Launches Antitrust Probe into Google over AI Content Usage
European Commission Initiates Investigation into Google
The European Commission has opened an antitrust investigation targeting Google amid concerns that the company might have breached European Union competition laws. The focus of this inquiry is whether Google has utilized content from websites and YouTube for artificial intelligence (AI) applications without proper authorization or compensation, potentially affecting fair competition.
Concerns Over Google’s Use of Publisher and YouTube Content
The Commission suspects that Google may have exploited content from web publishers to develop AI-powered features, such as AI-driven summaries presented in search results. These features, including Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode, reportedly generate content based on unconsented use of third-party material.
Additionally, YouTube content creators may have been affected, as there are allegations that Google used their videos to train AI models without offering payment or an option to opt out.
This situation raises serious questions because Google restricts competing AI companies from using YouTube content for training purposes. If Google itself has trained its AI systems using YouTube data, it could be viewed as abusing its dominant market position, violating EU antitrust regulations.
Ensuring Innovation Respects European Values
The European Commission has notified Google and relevant competition authorities across EU countries about the investigation. This process does not have a fixed timeline; its length will depend on factors such as case complexity, involved parties’ cooperation, and their defense rights.
Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s Executive Vice President for clean, just, and competitive transition, emphasized the importance of maintaining diverse media, ensuring open access to information, and nurturing a vibrant creative sector across Europe. While recognizing the significant advancements AI offers, she stressed that progress must not undermine core European principles.
“We are investigating whether Google has imposed unfair terms on publishers and content creators, while disadvantaging rival AI model developers, which could breach EU competition rules,” stated Teresa Ribera.
In other updates, Google has recently revised its policies on gambling advertisements within 35 countries.
