European Union probes Google for potential ‘anticompetitive’ use of copyrighted materials for AI-generated summaries

Google faces a recent antitrust investigation in Brussels over whether or not it ripped off copyrighted materials to coach its artificial intelligence fashions without correctly compensating publishers, the European Commission announced Tuesday.

The European Union’s antitrust cops expressed concern that Google used web publishers’ articles and videos to build its “AI Overviews” search abstract feature and “AI Mode” search perform without paying them or permitting them to decide out.

The investigation is centered on Google’s dealing with of articles from news publishers and content creators, in addition to videos uploaded to YouTube.

EU Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera gestures during a press convention on an EU global local weather and vitality imaginative and prescient at the EU headquarters in Brussels on Oct. 16. AFP through Getty Images

“AI is bringing remarkable innovation and many benefits for people and businesses across Europe, but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies,” EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said in a statement.

The investigation may additional raise tensions between the EU and the Trump administration, which has been vital of the 27-member bloc’s ongoing campaign of fines and penalties against US tech firms.

A Google spokesperson said the EU’s inquiry “risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever.”

“Europeans deserve to benefit from the latest technologies and we will continue to work closely with the news and creative industries as they transition to the AI era,” the spokesperson added.

In September, the EU slapped Google with a $3.4 billion fine after figuring out it broke competitors guidelines associated to promoting technology. President Trump blasted that action as “discriminatory.”

Google CEO Sundar Pichai addresses the crowd during Google’s annual I/O builders convention in Mountain View, Calif., on May 20. (Photo by Camille Cohen / AFP) AFP through Getty Images

Earlier this week, Trump warned Europe to be “very careful” after it imposed a $140 million nice on Elon Musk’s social media platform X for alleged violations of the EU’s content moderation insurance policies.

At the same time, Google and other tech corporations stay under intense scrutiny within the US over their AI training practices.

As The Post reported, a group of top conservatives including ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon just lately demanded that the administration reject Big Tech’s argument that its use of copyrighted materials is protected by so-called “fair use doctrine.”

Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, which is locked in a fierce AI competitors with Google, just lately announced a new set of licensing deals with top publishers, including CNN and Fox News.

Fox News shares a frequent proprietor with News Corp, which publishes The Post.

Navigate the fast-paced world of business with us. At OurFinancetoday.com/business, we offer well timed and insightful coverage on the whole lot from market traits and startup success tales to financial news, entrepreneurship suggestions, and global financial shifts.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a small business proprietor, or a seasoned government, our content is designed to tell, empower, and inspire your next transfer in the business world.

Our editorial team dives deep into real-world methods, company profiles, and knowledgeable analysis to carry you articles that matter. We simplify complicated business developments and highlight the innovations, challenges, and alternatives shaping industries today.

Make sure to bookmark our Business part and go to often — in a world that never stops shifting, staying informed is your greatest benefit.

Share this post: