EU Launches Antitrust Probe Into Google, Targeting AI Overviews and AI Mode
Last updated: March 23, 2026 Read in fullscreen view
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The investigation will focus on how Google uses content to power its “AI Overviews” and “AI Mode” features on search results pages.
On December 9, the European Commission (EC) officially announced the launch of an antitrust investigation into Google. The probe aims to determine whether the company has violated EU competition rules by using content from publishers’ websites and YouTube videos to support its artificial intelligence (AI) products - without providing adequate compensation or allowing publishers to opt out.
The Probe Targets “AI Overviews” and “AI Mode”
According to the EC, the investigation will examine how Google leverages content to generate its “AI Overviews” and “AI Mode” features - AI-generated summaries that appear above traditional search results.
Regulators are concerned that Google may be imposing “unfair” terms on publishers and content creators, while granting itself privileged access to data for training AI models. This could potentially disadvantage competing AI developers.
Reports indicate that, beyond written content from news websites, the EC is also reviewing Google’s use of YouTube videos for AI training - particularly whether creators are neither compensated nor given the option to refuse such use.
Currently, anyone uploading videos to YouTube must agree to terms that allow Google to use their data for various purposes, including AI training. In return, creators receive no separate compensation for this usage. At the same time, other AI companies are restricted from accessing similar data, effectively giving Google an exclusive advantage.
A Google spokesperson responded that, if the complaints are upheld, such measures could “stifle innovation in a highly competitive market.” The company also stated it will “continue working closely with the news industry and creative sectors” as the transition to AI accelerates.
The EC emphasized that while AI brings clear benefits - innovation, efficiency, and convenience - its development “must not come at the expense of the core principles of our society,” including protecting publishers’ rights, ensuring fair competition, and maintaining a diverse and healthy media ecosystem.
EU Tightens Oversight on Big Tech
This investigation comes amid broader efforts by the EU to tighten oversight of major U.S. tech companies, especially as AI continues to rise.
Previously, in September 2025, the EC fined Google nearly €2.95 billion for antitrust violations in the advertising technology (ad-tech) sector. The company was accused of favoring its own ad services over competitors, harming publishers, advertisers, and the broader online advertising market.
If violations are confirmed in the current case, Google could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue - a significant penalty that underscores the EU’s commitment to preserving fair competition and preventing dominant platforms from abusing their market power.
According to Reuters, the EU has also taken action against other tech firms in recent months. This includes a €120 million fine against X (formerly Twitter) for failing to meet advertising transparency obligations, and a separate investigation into Meta Platforms over AI data access policies on WhatsApp.
Growing Backlash From Publishers and Media Groups
A number of publishers, independent media groups, and press freedom organizations - including the European Publishers Council, Independent Publishers Alliance, and advocacy group Foxglove - have criticized AI-driven features like “AI Overviews.”
They argue that such tools effectively “steal” traffic and revenue from original sources, threatening the sustainability of independent journalism and media diversity.
A Potential Legal Precedent
Notably, the EU is relying on traditional competition law - rather than newer regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA) - to assess this case.
Observers suggest the outcome could set a major precedent: large platforms may no longer be able to act as both “gatekeepers” and unrestricted beneficiaries of third-party content for AI development. Moving forward, companies may be required to adopt greater transparency, ensure fair compensation, and better protect the rights of content creators if they wish to continue advancing AI technologies.
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