Brussels (ANSA) – The European Commission has initiated an antitrust investigation to assess whether Google has breached EU competition laws by utilizing content from online publishers and videos from YouTube for artificial intelligence development. The aim is to determine if Google distorted competition by imposing unfavorable contractual terms on publishers and content creators, or by obtaining preferential access to this content, potentially harming competitors in the AI model development space.
The Commission is concerned that Google may have misappropriated the content of online publishers to enhance its own generative AI services (“AI Overviews” and “AI Mode”) displayed on search results pages, without compensating publishers adequately or allowing them to refuse the use of their content without losing traffic from Google Search, which many rely on.
Similar worries extend to videos and other content uploaded to YouTube, which Google uses to train its generative AI models, again without compensating the creators or permitting them to object. Those who upload to YouTube, the Commission notes, must grant Google permission to utilize their content for AI training without receiving any payment.
“A free and democratic society is built on diverse media, unrestricted access to information, and a vibrant creative environment. These values are fundamental to our identity as Europeans,” emphasized the European Commission’s vice president, Teresa Ribera, cautioning that “AI is delivering remarkable innovations and numerous advantages for citizens and businesses across Europe, but this advancement must not undermine the principles our societies are founded upon.”
The antitrust investigation will follow a priority procedure: if confirmed, the unfair practices could be deemed an abuse of a dominant position (9 December).
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