Brussels, 9 December 2025 — The European Commission has opened a formal Google AI investigation into alleged anticompetitive conduct by Google related to its use of online content for artificial intelligence development.
Regulators are examining whether the tech giant breached EU competition rules. They are looking into whether Google used material from web publishers and YouTube creators without fair compensation or meaningful opt-out options.
The new probe marks one of the most far-reaching EU inquiries yet into the fast-growing AI sector. Moreover, it raises questions about how dominant platforms may be leveraging user-generated content to gain an edge in the global AI race.
Focus on Generative AI Products: AI Overviews and AI Mode
At the centre of the Google AI investigation are the company’s generative AI services. These include AI Overviews—summaries generated above organic search results—and AI Mode, a chatbot-style interactive search experience.
According to the Commission, these features may rely on publisher content gathered without appropriate compensation. This potentially constitutes anticompetitive conduct by Google. Investigators will assess whether publishers were denied a genuine ability to refuse such use. Refusal comes with the risk of reduced visibility on Google Search, a dependency vital for many media organisations.
By repeatedly invoking EU competition rules, officials emphasised that the investigation will assess whether Google used its dominant position. They aim to determine if Google imposed unfair conditions on publishers while privileging its own AI systems.
Concerns Over YouTube Content and AI Training
Another major concern in the Google AI investigation is the use of YouTube videos to train Google’s generative AI models. Under YouTube’s current policies, creators must grant Google permission to use their uploads for various purposes—including AI training. They do so without receiving compensation and without the option to upload their work while declining such use.
At the same time, YouTube policies ban rival AI developers from mining YouTube content, potentially strengthening Google’s own competitive position. If confirmed, such practices could amount to anticompetitive conduct by Google, further violating EU competition rules.
Legal Basis and Broader Implications
If the allegations are upheld, Google could be found in breach of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This article prohibits abuse of a dominant position, and the corresponding provisions of the EEA Agreement.
The Commission stressed that the opening of a formal investigation does not pre-judge the outcome. However, the inquiry will be handled as a priority, given the potential market-shaping implications of generative AI systems. These systems depend on vast quantities of digital content.
This latest action highlights the EU’s determination to ensure that advances in AI do not undermine media diversity or fairness in digital markets. It also underscores the increasing scrutiny global tech giants face as AI becomes central to their strategic ambitions.
EU Leadership Statement
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said the probe is essential to protecting European values in the digital age:
“A free and democratic society depends on diverse media, open access to information, and a vibrant creative landscape. AI is bringing remarkable innovation, but this progress cannot come at the expense of fundamental principles. This is why we are investigating whether Google may have imposed unfair terms and conditions on publishers and content creators, while placing rival AI models developers at a disadvantage, in breach of EU competition rules.”
Her statement reinforces the seriousness of both the Google AI investigation and the concerns surrounding alleged anticompetitive conduct by Google.
What Happens Next?
There is no fixed deadline for antitrust cases under EU law, and their duration depends on complexity. It also relies on the level of cooperation from involved parties. Updates on case AT.40983 will be published on the Commission’s competition website.
As the Google AI investigation unfolds, it is likely to shape not only the future of AI regulation but also the global debate on data use. It also involves digital fairness, and compliance with EU competition rules.
Last week, the European Commission launched an investigation into Meta Over AI Providers’ Access to WhatsApp, as reported.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_2964
