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The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Google’s utilisation of online publisher content and YouTube material in developing AI features, amid concerns over potential unfair practices and competitive harm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Google\u2019s use of online publisher content and YouTube material to develop and deploy artificial intelligence features, including tools described as “AI Overviews” and “AI Mode”. According to the announcement, regulators will assess whether Google\u2019s terms for publishers and creators give the company privileged access to content or impose unfair conditions that disadvantage rival AI developers. [1]<\/a><\/sup>[2]<\/a><\/sup>[3]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n EU competition officials said the probe will examine whether publishers are being offered appropriate compensation or a clear means to withhold their material from Google Search without losing access to the platform\u2019s services. Teresa Ribera, the Commission\u2019s vice\u2011president for competition, underlined that technological progress must not undermine fair business practices or the sustainability of the information ecosystem. [1]<\/a><\/sup>[2]<\/a><\/sup>[3]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n The investigation follows complaints from independent publishers and organisations alleging that Google\u2019s AI products, including Gemini-related features, may prioritise the company\u2019s own services over fair search outcomes. Regulators will also look at whether Google\u2019s broader search and spam policies interact with its AI offerings in ways that harm competition. [3]<\/a><\/sup>[7]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n Google has defended its practices, warning regulators that the complaint risks hindering innovation and saying it will engage with authorities and affected industries. The company has previously appealed or contested EU findings in related enforcement actions. The probe is being conducted under existing EU competition rules and, if breaches are found, could lead to substantial fines. [1]<\/a><\/sup>[2]<\/a><\/sup>[3]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n The new inquiry forms part of a wider regulatory push by the EU against major U.S. technology firms. In recent weeks Brussels has fined the social platform X and opened parallel antitrust examinations into Meta\u2019s WhatsApp AI policy, signalling intensified scrutiny of how dominant platforms may favour their own AI services. EU officials have framed these moves as necessary to preserve open and fair markets across the bloc. [1]<\/a><\/sup>[4]<\/a><\/sup>[5]<\/a><\/sup>[6]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n Legal experts say the outcome will test how competition law applies to the use of third\u2011party online content in AI systems and whether platforms must offer compensatory or opt\u2011out mechanisms to content providers. The Commission aims to conclude its formal investigation within the timelines set by EU procedures, while the sector watches for potential remedies or sanctions that could reshape how AI models use published content. [3]<\/a><\/sup>[5]<\/a><\/sup>[7]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n ##Reference Map:<\/p>\n\ud83d\udccc Reference Map:<\/h3>\n
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