On 9 December 2025, the European Commission opened a formal antitrust investigation into Google regarding its use of online content for AI purposes, marking the latest regulatory action against U.S. tech giants. The Commission is examining whether Google breached EU competition rules by using content from web publishers and YouTube for AI development, with potential fines reaching up to 10% of the company's annual global revenue.
The investigation focuses on whether Google's AI Overviews and AI Mode utilise web publishers' content without appropriate compensation whilst preventing publishers from opting out without losing access to Google Search, creating an unfair power dynamic given publishers' dependence on Google for user traffic. The Commission is also probing whether Google used YouTube content to train its generative AI models without proper compensation or opt-out options for creators, whilst simultaneously blocking rival AI developers from accessing any YouTube content for training purposes. Teresa Ribera, the EU's antitrust commissioner, emphasised the Commission's commitment to protecting online press and content creators whilst ensuring fair competition in emerging AI markets, addressing concerns that Google imposed unfair terms on content creators whilst advantaging its own AI model over competitors.
The investigation represents a continuation of the EU's scrutiny of Google's market practices, following a nearly 3 billion euro fine imposed in September 2025 for breaching antitrust rules by distorting competition in the advertising technology industry. Whilst no legal deadline exists for the probe's conclusion, the Commission has designated the matter as a priority, signalling the importance regulators place on establishing fair practices in AI development. The case underscores the EU's determination to prevent dominant tech companies from leveraging their market position to gain unfair advantages in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
Sources:
1. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/09/google-hit-with-eu-antitrust-probe-over-use-of-online-content-for-ai.html
2. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/google-hit-eu-abuse-dominance-083158203.html
3. https://www.morningjournal.com/2025/12/09/europe-google/
4. https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/eu-opens-antitrust-investigation-into-googles-ai-practices-133015762.html
