The European Union has opened an investigation into Google’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its search results, focusing on AI-generated summaries and the broader use of content from websites and YouTube videos to train its systems. Regulators are examining whether Google properly compensated content creators or gave them the option to opt out of having their work included.
The investigation targets Google’s AI Overview summaries, which appear at the top of search results in a conversational format, often with links to related web pages. Critics argue that these AI-generated snippets may reduce traffic to original sites, potentially affecting advertising revenue for publishers and content creators.
According to reports, some publishers have seen a significant drop in clicks from Google searches since the introduction of the AI summaries. This has raised concerns that AI could inadvertently harm independent journalism and the broader creative industry.
The European Commission is also scrutinizing Google’s broader AI systems, questioning whether content from YouTube videos was used without consent and whether creators could opt out. Advocates for AI fairness argue that current practices effectively require online content to be used in training AI systems, potentially competing with the original creators.
Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with EU values. “AI brings remarkable innovation and benefits, but its growth must not undermine open access to information, diverse media, or the creative landscape,” she said.
Google responded to the probe, warning that overly strict regulation could “stifle innovation” in an increasingly competitive market. “Europeans deserve to benefit from the latest technologies,” a spokesperson said, highlighting ongoing cooperation with news and creative industries.
The EU’s investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of AI across the region and the enforcement of strict digital regulations, which can result in substantial fines for tech companies found in violation.
