EU Takes a Closer Look at Google's AI Summaries

Wed Dec 10 2025 07:34:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The European Union has initiated an investigation into Google to assess the use of AI-generated summaries in search results, raising questions about copyright and compensation for content creators.

The EU is investigating whether Google has improperly utilized data from various websites for its AI-generated summaries and if content creators received adequate compensation. Concerns center on both web publishers and YouTube creators as Google's new AI Overview summaries might reduce website traffic and advertising revenue. The investigation aims to ensure fairness in profiting from published online content and protect the livelihoods of content creators.

The EU has opened an investigation into Google over its artificial intelligence (AI) summaries which appear above search results.

The European Commission said it would examine whether the firm used data from websites to provide this service - and if it failed to offer appropriate compensation to publishers.

It is also investigating how YouTube videos may have been used to improve its broader AI systems, and whether content creators were able to opt-out.

A Google spokesperson said the probe risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever.

Europeans deserve to benefit from the latest technologies, and the Commission has stated its commitment to work closely with news and creative industries during this transition.

The investigation will also assess Google's AI Mode, which offers responses in a conversational style, similar to products from competitors like ChatGPT.

Critics have expressed concern that Google's AI Overview summaries could lead to decreased website traffic, affecting advertising revenue significantly. The Daily Mail noted a 50% drop in clicks to its links since the AI feature launched.

Ed Newton-Rex from AI fairness campaigners Fairly Trained highlighted that non-compliance with Google's usage terms could jeopardize careers in the online publishing sector. Rosa Curling of the campaign group Foxglove echoed these sentiments, calling for immediate opt-out options for publishers as the risks to journalism escalate.