European Union regulators have initiated a formal investigation into whether Google is violating the bloc’s competition rules through its use of online content to develop artificial intelligence systems.
The European Commission announced the probe, which will assess if the tech giant is leveraging its dominant position to secure unfair advantages for its AI models, such as Gemini. The core concern is whether Google imposes inequitable terms on publishers and digital creators, or grants itself preferential access to their material, thereby hindering the development of competing AI technologies.
A key focus of the investigation is Google’s alleged use of content from news publishers to power AI-enhanced features within its search results. Regulators are examining whether this practice occurs without fair compensation or a clear opt-out mechanism for the content owners.
Additionally, the Commission is scrutinizing Google’s handling of content uploaded to its YouTube platform. The inquiry will determine if videos are used to train Google’s generative AI models without providing creators adequate remuneration or the choice to deny such usage. While YouTube’s terms grant Google broad permissions for data use, including AI training, the platform restricts third-party companies from similar access unless creators explicitly allow it. Internal reports have indicated Google uses select YouTube videos to train its AI models.
In a statement, the EU’s competition authority emphasized that while AI drives significant innovation, its advancement must not undermine fundamental societal principles, including fair competition.
A Google spokesperson responded by warning that the complaint could hamper innovation in a highly competitive sector, asserting that the company remains committed to collaborating with content industries during the transition to an AI-driven era.
This investigation marks the latest in a series of regulatory actions by the EU against major U.S. technology firms. Recent years have seen substantial fines levied against companies like Google, Meta, and X for various competition and content rule violations, reflecting the bloc’s intensified scrutiny of digital market dominance.