EU Investigates Google Over AI Use of Online Content

The European Commission has initiated an antitrust investigation into Google regarding its use of online content to train artificial intelligence (AI) models. This inquiry will assess whether Google has violated EU competition laws by utilizing content from web publishers, including videos from YouTube, for AI-related purposes. Furthermore, the investigation will scrutinize whether Google has imposed unfair terms on content creators and granted itself preferential access to this content.

This investigation follows the passage of the landmark AI Act in 2024, which represents the world’s first comprehensive legislation aimed at regulating AI technology. As tensions have escalated between major tech companies and EU regulators, issues of antitrust, transparency, and adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have come to the forefront.

Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s Executive Vice President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, emphasized that “a free and democratic society depends on diverse media, open access to information, and a vibrant creative landscape.” She added, “AI is bringing remarkable innovation and many benefits for people and businesses across Europe, but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies.”

The European Commission has indicated that Google may be collecting content from web publishers to generate AI summaries and overviews. Additionally, it is alleged that Google might be using uploaded videos on YouTube to train generative AI models. In both scenarios, the Commission suggests that Google could be infringing upon antitrust regulations by not compensating publishers and not allowing them the option to refuse the use of their content.

Google requires content creators who upload videos on YouTube to grant permission for the use of their data, which has drawn scrutiny. This investigation follows a recent €3 billion fine imposed on Google for abusing its dominance in online advertising. This penalty has drawn reactions from various stakeholders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized the EU’s actions against American companies on social media.

The EU has previously fined Google a total of €9.5 billion for various antitrust violations, while Apple was instructed to pay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Google, content creators, and the broader tech landscape in Europe remain significant. The outcome may set a precedent for how AI technologies can be developed and regulated in a way that respects the rights of content creators while promoting innovation.