The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Google, examining whether the tech giant has used content from web publishers and YouTube creators to train artificial intelligence models, potentially giving itself an unfair advantage over competitors.

The investigation is reportedly focusing on Google’s AI-powered search tools, including “AI Overviews,” which provide summaries above organic search results. The Commission is probing whether these features rely on publishers’ content without adequate compensation or the ability to opt out. Many publishers depend heavily on Google Search for traffic, making refusal of such terms commercially challenging.

Progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies. This is why we are investigating whether Google may have imposed unfair terms on publishers and creators… – Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition

Et tu, Youtube?

YouTube content is also under scrutiny. Google could be using videos uploaded by creators to train AI models without offering remuneration or opt-out options, raising concerns that rival AI developers could be disadvantaged. If confirmed, such practices could constitute an abuse of Google’s dominant market position under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said: “AI is bringing remarkable innovation and many benefits, but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies. This is why we are investigating whether Google may have imposed unfair terms on publishers and creators while disadvantaging rival AI developers.”

Big Tech actions

The move continues the EU’s broader effort to regulate Big Tech, following previous investigations into Google’s search practices, advertising technologies, and Android, as well as actions against Apple, Amazon, and Meta. By targeting AI, the Commission is signalling that its oversight extends to the next generation of digital services, balancing innovation with fairness and transparency. The investigation is in its early stages, and the opening of proceedings does not prejudge the outcome, but it underscores the EU’s commitment to a competitive and open digital ecosystem.