Google Under EU Scrutiny: AI Content Usage Sparks Antitrust Concerns

Alphabet's Google is facing an EU antitrust investigation over its use of online content from publishers and YouTube videos for AI model training. The EU is concerned about potential unfair trade conditions imposed by Google without adequate compensation or refusal options for publishers.

Alphabet's Google is once again in the crosshairs of the European Commission, which has launched its second antitrust investigation in less than a month. This time, the focus is on Google's use of publishers' online content and YouTube videos for training its artificial intelligence models. The investigation highlights the deepening concerns over the dominance of Big Tech in emerging technologies—a dominance that could potentially edge out competitors.

Central to the probe is the EU's worry that Google may be utilizing publishers' content to generate its AI-powered summaries, known as AI Overviews, without offering adequate compensation or the option for publishers to refuse. EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy information ecosystem that allows publishers to thrive. Google, however, rejected the complaint, arguing it could suppress innovation in an increasingly competitive tech market.

The investigation has drawn criticism from groups like the Independent Publishers Alliance and Movement for an Open Web, who accuse Google of violating the foundational agreements of the internet by prioritizing its AI output over traditional search results. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Google's operations in Europe, as the company faces the potential of hefty fines if found in breach of competition rules.

(With inputs from agencies.)