Google Faces an Antitrust Probe from the EU
The EU has launched an antitrust inquiry into Google's utilization of online content for AI, highlighting the ongoing efforts by the bloc to regulate major U.S. tech firms.
The European Commission announced it was looking into whether Google violated EU competition regulations by utilizing the material from web publishers and content uploaded to the YouTube platform for AI-related activities.
The investigation will look into whether Google is manipulating competition by enforcing unreasonable terms on publishers and content creators, or by providing itself with preferential access to that content while disadvantaging developers of competing AI models, according to the Commission.
“AI is driving significant innovation and various advantages for individuals and companies throughout Europe, but this advancement must not undermine the values central to our societies,” stated Teresa Ribera, the bloc’s competition commissioner.
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“We are looking into whether Google has enforced unjust terms and conditions on publishers and content creators, while disadvantaging competing AI model developers, in violation of EU competition regulations.”
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The Commission stated it will examine how much the creation of AI Overviews and AI Mode by Google relies on content from web publishers without fair compensation and without the option for publishers to decline without losing access to Google Search.
In September, the EU imposed a fine of almost 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) on Google for violating antitrust regulations by manipulating competition within the advertising technology sector.
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At that time, Google’s worldwide head of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland stated that the EU ruling was “incorrect” and the company would challenge it. "Offering services for ad buyers and sellers is not anticompetitive, and there are now more options available for our services than at any time previously," she stated.