Brussels launches formal probe into AI summaries and training data
The European Commission has opened an investigation into Google over its artificial intelligence summaries that appear above search results, examining whether the company used publisher content without offering appropriate compensation. Regulators will also assess whether YouTube videos were incorporated into Google’s broader AI training systems and if creators were given a meaningful way to opt out.
A Google spokesperson warned the probe “risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever,” adding that the company intends to work with news and creative industries as they adapt to the AI era.
Publishers warn of traffic loss, creators fear forced participation
Google’s AI Overview summaries have fueled concerns across the media sector, as they give users instant answers without requiring a click-through to original websites. For many publishers, that translates directly into lower advertising revenue. The Daily Mail reported that clicks from Google search dropped by about 50% following the introduction of the AI Overview feature.
At the same time, creators say they have little choice but to publish on platforms like YouTube despite fears their content is being used to train AI models that could compete with them. Ed Newton-Rex of Fairly Trained argued that Google has made it “a condition of online publishing” that creators allow their work to feed its AI systems. He said the EU’s action comes at a “critical time for creators around the world.”
Campaigners echoed that sentiment. Rosa Curling of Foxglove said there are still “clear and present” threats to journalism and warned that publishers need an immediate opt out, or “there will be little left by the time the Commission is ready to act.”
A broader question: who owns the data that trains AI?
The central issue for the Commission is whether Google relied on publicly available online material created by others to build profitable AI products without adequate safeguards or compensation. Google’s generative AI tools can produce text, images and video in seconds, and like many tech firms, they were trained using vast quantities of web content.
Artists, journalists and independent producers argue this practice erodes their rights while tech companies reap the financial upside. EU officials stress that innovation must not undermine democratic values or the diversity of media that underpins them.
Commission vice-president Teresa Ribera said AI is bringing “remarkable innovation” and benefits for businesses, but added that its development must respect the EU’s cultural and legal framework, including protections for creators.
Regulatory tensions rise as U.S. tech pushes back
Europe’s aggressive enforcement of digital regulations has already led to friction with U.S. lawmakers, especially as large platforms face the prospect of substantial fines. Elon Musk’s platform X recently removed the Commission’s account after the EU imposed a €120 million fine over verification badge issues.
The outcome of the Google investigation could have sweeping implications, shaping whether AI firms can freely train models on publicly available content, how creators are compensated and how search engines display information in an increasingly AI-driven ecosystem.
