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EU launches investigation into Google's AI practices
The European Commission has initiated a formal inquiry into Google's use of artificial intelligence, focusing on whether the company exploited website data and YouTube videos to train its AI systems without fair compensation or opt-out options for creators.
Key concerns raised by regulators
Regulators are scrutinizing Google's AI Overview feature, which generates summaries above search results, potentially reducing traffic to original websites. The Commission suspects the tech giant may have used publishers' content without adequate payment or consent.
Additionally, the probe will examine whether YouTube creators were given a genuine choice to exclude their videos from AI training datasets. The investigation follows complaints that Google's practices could undermine independent media and creative industries.
Industry reactions and warnings
Ed Newton-Rex, founder of AI advocacy group Fairly Trained, criticized Google's approach, stating that creators face an impossible choice: publish online or risk their work being used to train competing AI models. He described the situation as "career suicide" for those who opt out.
"This investigation could not come at a more critical time for creators around the world."
Ed Newton-Rex, Fairly Trained
Rosa Curling, co-executive director of digital rights group Foxglove, welcomed the probe but urged immediate action. She argued that news publishers need an "urgent opt-out" mechanism to prevent Google from using their content without permission, warning that delays could devastate journalism and democratic discourse.
Google's response and broader implications
A Google spokesperson defended the company's practices, calling the investigation a threat to innovation in an already competitive market. They emphasized Google's commitment to collaborating with news and creative sectors as they adapt to AI advancements.
"Europeans deserve to benefit from the latest technologies, and we will continue to work closely with the news and creative industries as they transition to the AI era."
Google spokesperson
The Commission's inquiry aligns with its broader enforcement of the Digital Services Act, which imposes hefty fines on tech firms found violating EU regulations. However, recent actions-such as a €120 million fine against Elon Musk's platform X-have drawn criticism from U.S. lawmakers.
Stakes for media and AI development
At the heart of the investigation is whether Google leveraged third-party content to build profitable AI tools without proper attribution or compensation. Generative AI systems, capable of producing text, images, and videos in seconds, rely on vast datasets often sourced from public websites and platforms.
European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera framed the issue as a balance between innovation and fundamental values. While acknowledging AI's transformative potential, she stressed that its growth must not come at the expense of media diversity, information access, or creative rights.
The probe's outcome could set a precedent for how tech giants integrate AI into their services while respecting content creators' rights.
