The European Commission has launched a formal probe into Google’s utilisation of online media and YouTube content for AI development, raising concerns over content creator rights, competitive fairness, and market dominance amidst broader Big Tech regulation efforts.
The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Google’s use of online media and YouTube content to train artificial‑intelligence (AI) models, probing whether the company has used its dominant position to secure privileged access to material without adequate compensation or an opt‑out for creators. According to the original report, Brussels is examining whether Google imposed “unfair conditions and requirements on media outlets and content creators, and excluded competitors from AI development,” conduct that would breach EU competition rules. [1][2][3]
Commissioners are particularly concerned that Google may be using content surfaced by its search engine and videos uploaded to YouTube to power AI features such as AI Overviews and other generative tools, without offering publishers and creators the possibility to refuse or to be fairly remunerated. The inquiry will assess whether such practices distort competition by advantaging Google’s own AI products over rival developers. [2][3][4]
Brussels also flagged the risk that publishers and creators feel unable to push back because of their dependence on Google’s services for distribution and traffic, suggesting a structural imbalance that could limit genuine consent. The Commission’s statement highlighted that some publishers may avoid confronting Google for fear of losing search visibility. [1][5]
The Commission will examine whether YouTube’s terms force creators, upon upload, to grant Google broad rights to use their content for AI training while preventing rivals from using the same material, an allegation that, if proven, could amount to exclusionary conduct under EU law. Brussels noted it has evidence indicating creators lack effective choice when accepting platform conditions. [1][4]
Opening an investigation does not prejudge the outcome, but Brussels has a track record of pursuing remedies and fines where it finds non‑compliance. The inquiry could lead to significant penalties or orders to change business practices if breaches are found; regulators have warned that remedies may be required to ensure fair access to the resources needed for AI development. [1][6]
Google has defended its approach, warning regulators that restrictive measures could harm innovation and saying it will engage with news and creative industries during the AI transition. Industry groups and independent publishers behind recent complaints argue that Google’s prioritisation of its own AI offerings risks undermining a competitive market for generative models. [3][2]
The probe is part of a broader EU push to rein in Big Tech under competition and digital services rules, coming shortly after separate EU enforcement actions and fines targeting major platforms. Regulators say they will balance the need to foster AI innovation with ensuring fair treatment and adequate compensation for content creators and publishers. [6][5]
📌 Reference Map:
##Reference Map:
- [1] (ARA) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 5
- [2] (AP) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 6
- [3] (Reuters) – Paragraph 2, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7
- [4] (The Guardian) – Paragraph 2, Paragraph 4
- [5] (The Guardian) – Paragraph 3, Paragraph 7
- [6] (Reuters) – Paragraph 5, Paragraph 7
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 narrative is current, with the European Commission’s investigation into Google’s use of online content for AI models announced on December 9, 2025. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/eu-launches-antitrust-probe-into-googles-use-online-content-ai-purposes-2025-12-09/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera and Google’s response are unique to this report, with no earlier matches found online.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable sources, including the Associated Press and Reuters, which are known for their journalistic integrity and reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims are plausible and align with ongoing regulatory scrutiny of major tech companies. The European Commission has previously fined Google €2.95 billion for antitrust violations in the adtech sector. ([ppc.land](https://ppc.land/content/files/2025/09/1757088298608.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from reputable outlets. The claims are plausible and supported by recent regulatory actions against Google, indicating a high level of credibility.
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