The European Commission has opened a formal antitrust investigation into Google to assess whether the company used online content in its AI services in ways that may breach competition rules. Regulators said they are examining how Google accesses and applies material from publishers and YouTube creators in features such as AI Overviews and AI Mode. These tools generate summaries or responses based on text and video content drawn from across the web. The Commission said it will evaluate whether Google’s practices provide the company with an unfair advantage and whether creators receive fair treatment.
Officials stated that one focus of the investigation is whether Google prevents rival AI developers from accessing comparable sources of online material. They said that if Google can use extensive content at a limited cost while competitors cannot obtain similar data, this may distort market conditions. Analysts have noted that control of large volumes of training material can influence the performance and competitiveness of AI systems. The Commission also said it will examine whether creators have effective ways to opt out of the use of their work.
The inquiry falls under the EU’s competition rules rather than digital platform legislation. There is no set deadline for its completion. Possible outcomes could include financial penalties or requirements for Google to change how it uses third-party content in its AI services. Regulators said they intend to determine whether current practices restrict innovation or disadvantage smaller companies seeking to develop competing technology.
Google responded that its AI tools provide benefits for users and businesses in Europe. A company representative said Google will continue to work with publishers and creative industries as services evolve. Industry analysts noted that the investigation will influence future discussions about licensing frameworks and data access for AI development. They said that the case may help define how content generated by independent creators can be used within large-scale AI systems.
The launch of the investigation reflects broader concerns about access to digital information as AI becomes more integrated into search and content generation. Officials said that the case will help clarify how competition rules apply when large platforms build AI features that rely on external content. Analysts expect that the findings could guide future regulatory approaches and affect how companies design AI systems that depend on publicly available material.