EU Commission Launches Investigation into Google Over AI Data Use

The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation into Google regarding its use of third-party online content to train artificial intelligence (AI) models. The probe centers on concerns that Google may have utilized protected material from publishers and content creators without appropriate compensation, potentially violating EU competition laws.

Regulators are examining whether Google has imposed unfair conditions on publishers and rights holders, particularly in the context of AI-generated search results and the recently introduced AI features in Google Search. These features, now available in several European countries, provide summarized and conversational responses generated by AI, some of which may be based on content sourced from external publishers.

The Commission is also assessing whether Google's practices could hinder competition among AI developers by limiting access to essential data, while at the same time providing Google's own AI systems with a competitive advantage. Authorities have raised the question of whether online publishers are given a genuine opportunity to object to the use of their content for AI training purposes without risking their visibility in search results--a critical factor for attracting online traffic.

Concerns extend to YouTube, Google's video platform. Content creators on YouTube are generally required to grant Google permission to use their videos for various purposes, including the training of generative AI models. However, there is no provision for compensation for this usage. Furthermore, YouTube prohibits rival companies from using its content to develop their own AI tools, a policy that may further reinforce Google's market position.

Industry organizations, such as Corint Media, which represents the copyright interests of numerous German publishers and media companies, have expressed support for the investigation. They argue that digital platforms have long benefited from journalistic content without providing fair remuneration to content creators.

This action against Google follows a series of recent measures by the EU targeting large technology firms. These include fines and regulatory proceedings against other major U.S.-based companies over alleged non-compliance with European digital regulations. The EU maintains that all companies operating within the region must adhere to its legal standards, particularly in areas related to digital markets, competition, and the protection of creative works.

Google has publicly rejected the Commission's allegations, warning that the proceedings could hinder innovation in a highly competitive technology market. The company emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the news and creative sectors as AI technologies evolve. Google also highlighted the rights of European users to benefit from cutting-edge digital services.

The investigation forms part of a broader regulatory effort within the EU to address the growing influence of U.S. technology giants and ensure compliance with European laws. A similar inquiry was recently launched against Meta, focusing on the access of AI developers to the WhatsApp messaging platform. These cases reflect ongoing tensions between European authorities and global tech firms over market dominance, data usage, and digital rights.

The European Commission has clarified that the initiation of this procedure does not constitute a finding of infringement. The duration of the investigation remains uncertain, and Google continues to face other antitrust actions, including significant fines for alleged breaches in its advertising practices.

As the competitive landscape of AI and digital services rapidly evolves, the outcome of the Commission's investigation is expected to set important precedents for the use of online content in AI development and the balancing of interests between technology providers, content creators, and regulators within the European Union.