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.
The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Google’s 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’s terms for publishers and creators give the company privileged access to content or impose unfair conditions that disadvantage rival AI developers. [1][2][3]
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’s services. Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s vice‑president for competition, underlined that technological progress must not undermine fair business practices or the sustainability of the information ecosystem. [1][2][3]
The investigation follows complaints from independent publishers and organisations alleging that Google’s AI products, including Gemini-related features, may prioritise the company’s own services over fair search outcomes. Regulators will also look at whether Google’s broader search and spam policies interact with its AI offerings in ways that harm competition. [3][7]
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][2][3]
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’s 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][4][5][6]
Legal experts say the outcome will test how competition law applies to the use of third‑party online content in AI systems and whether platforms must offer compensatory or opt‑out 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][5][7]
📌 Reference Map:
##Reference Map:
- [1] (Kaohoon International) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 5
- [2] (AP) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 4
- [3] (Reuters) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 6
- [4] (Reuters) – Paragraph 5
- [5] (Reuters) – Paragraph 5, Paragraph 6
- [6] (AP) – Paragraph 5
- [7] (AP) – Paragraph 3, Paragraph 6
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The European Commission initiated this investigation on December 9, 2025, making it a recent development. The earliest known publication date of similar content is also December 9, 2025, indicating no prior coverage. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. No republishing across low-quality sites or clickbait networks was observed. No earlier versions show different figures, dates, or quotes. The article includes updated data and does not recycle older material.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the provided text. The absence of quotes suggests the content may be original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations such as Reuters and the Associated Press, which strengthens its reliability. However, the Kaohoon International source is less well-known and may not be as widely recognised, introducing some uncertainty.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the European Commission’s investigation into Google’s use of online content for AI purposes are plausible and align with recent regulatory actions against major tech companies. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a minor concern. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. The structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and appropriate for corporate or official language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and sourced from reputable organisations, with no significant issues identified in freshness, quotes, source reliability, or plausibility.
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