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3h ago

EU Opens Antitrust Investigation Into Google’s Use of Publisher and YouTube Content for AI

Brussels is testing whether AI Overviews or AI Mode rely on third‑party material without consent or payment, potentially disadvantaging competing model developers.

The Google logo is seen outside the company's offices in London, Britain, June 24, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso/File Photo
FILE -This is the Google logo on a building in New York, Oct. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
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Overview

  • EU officials will scrutinize Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode to assess if they draw on publishers’ content without fair compensation or a workable opt‑out.
  • Investigators are also examining YouTube policies that obligate creators to allow data use for training while barring rival AI developers from using YouTube content.
  • The case proceeds under Article 102 of EU competition law, carries possible fines up to 10% of Alphabet’s global revenue, and has no set deadline.
  • Google rejected the allegations, saying the probe risks stifling innovation and pledging continued engagement with news and creative industries.
  • The formal inquiry follows a July complaint from independent publishers and rising concerns over traffic losses since Google rolled out AI Overviews, which now also carry ads.