EU Launches Antitrust Probe Into Google's AI Operations

European Commission Questions Google's Use of Publisher and YouTube Content

Familiar with previous governmental inquiries, Google now faces a fresh challenge as the European Commission has begun an antitrust examination into the tech giant's AI content usage practices.

The Commission's investigation is twofold. Firstly, it aims to ascertain if Google utilized material from web publishers for its AI Overview and AI Mode features without fair compensation or granting them the power to deny the usage of their content.

In its official declaration, the EU body emphasized its intent to scrutinize whether AI Overviews and AI Mode rely heavily on web publishers' content without appropriate financial recompense and the liberty for publishers to decline usage without jeopardizing their presence in Google Search. Publishers heavily rely on Google Search for visitor traffic and are reluctant to lose their connection to it.

Similarly, the second aspect of the inquiry delves into Google's alleged misuse of content sourced from YouTube for developing its AI models. The Commission is apprehensive that YouTube content creators might not be accruing adequate compensation nor the privilege to opt out of their content being leveraged by Google.

The Commission's review highlights the stipulation that creators must permit Google to utilize their data as a condition for uploading their media to YouTube. Furthermore, other companies developing AI technologies find themselves blocked from using YouTube content for training purposes.

Teresa Ribera, the European Commission's EVP for clean and fair transition, stated that AI is ushering in significant transformations and advantages across Europe, but progress should not undermine core societal principles. This investigation intends to examine if Google has imposed unlawful terms on publishers and creators, while potentially disadvantaging competing AI developers, which could contravene EU competition legislation.

Responding to the investigation, a representative from Google expressed concerns that it might hinder innovation in an increasingly competitive landscape. They reiterated that Europeans should reap the benefits of cutting-edge technology and assured ongoing collaboration with news and creative sectors during the AI transition.