Brussels targets AI Overviews and training practices
The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into whether Google unlawfully used publishers’ and creators’ content to power its artificial intelligence features, including the AI summaries that now appear above traditional search results. Regulators will examine whether Google harvested data from websites without offering appropriate compensation and whether YouTube creators were given a meaningful option to opt out of having their videos used to train AI systems.
The probe also covers Google’s AI Mode, which provides conversational answers similar to ChatGPT, combining search with generative responses. Concerns have grown that these features reduce traffic to publishers by answering queries directly rather than driving users to external websites.
Publishers say traffic dropped, creators fear forced participation
Media outlets have raised alarms since Google introduced its AI Overview summaries earlier this year. The Daily Mail claimed its Google search referral traffic fell by around 50% after the feature launched, underscoring the financial risk of losing visibility in search.
Independent creators face similar concerns. Advocacy groups argue Google has made online publishing effectively conditional on allowing the company to train its AI models using creators’ work. Ed Newton-Rex of Fairly Trained said it is “career suicide” not to publish on platforms like YouTube, but by doing so creators’ content can “build AI that competes with you.”
Campaign group Foxglove, which previously urged the Commission to intervene, welcomed the investigation but warned that “clear and present dangers to journalism and democracy remain.” They called for an immediate opt-out mechanism for news publishers, saying waiting for the investigation to conclude risks irreparable damage.
Google defends its approach as regulators weigh potential penalties
A Google spokesperson said the investigation “risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever,” arguing that Europeans should benefit from emerging AI technologies. The company maintains that its practices align with existing digital rules and that it provides pathways for industries to participate as AI evolves.
However, Commission officials say they are examining whether Google’s conduct violates EU law, particularly regarding the use of third-party content for commercial AI tools without transparency or fair compensation. The probe will assess both search-related features and YouTube’s role in improving Google’s broader AI systems.
The investigation is part of the EU’s expanding enforcement landscape under laws such as the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, which have already led to billions in fines against major tech firms. These actions have angered U.S. lawmakers, who argue Europe is unfairly targeting American platforms.
A broader industry reckoning over AI training data
The debate centers on whether AI systems can ingest publicly available online content without explicit permission or payment. Generative AI models require vast datasets to learn how to produce text, images and video — but many artists, journalists and creators say their work is being used without consent.
EU Commissioner Teresa Ribera said that while AI brings significant innovation, it must not undermine “diverse media, open access to information, and a vibrant creative landscape.” Regulators say the investigation aims to determine if Google’s AI development crossed legal or ethical boundaries.
The outcome could reshape how AI companies source training data, how creators are compensated, and how search platforms present information in the algorithmic age. Until then, tension between regulators, publishers and Silicon Valley continues to escalate.