The European Commission just launched a major antitrust investigation into Google, putting the tech giant under fire once again. Regulators now target how Google uses publisher content and YouTube videos to power its AI tools like AI Overviews and AI Mode. The core issue in this new Google’s EU probe: Brussels believes Google forces creators and publishers to hand over their content without real choice, fair pay, or proper opt-out options, while blocking rivals from the same data. This could violate rules against abusing a dominant market position.
The probe, announced on December 10, 2025, marks another chapter in the long-running battle between Google and EU watchdogs who already fined the company billions in recent years.
What Exactly Triggers Google’s EU Probe?
European officials highlight two big problems that give Google an unfair edge in the booming AI race:
- Publisher Content in AI Overviews & AI Mode: Google scrapes web articles to create AI summaries, but publishers get no compensation and cannot fully opt out without risking their Google Search traffic. Since most sites depend on Google for visitors, saying “no” feels impossible.
- Exclusive Access to YouTube Content: Creators who upload videos must automatically grant Google permission to use their content for training generative AI models. They receive zero payment, and they cannot refuse without losing the ability to post on YouTube at all. At the same time, Google’s terms block rival AI companies from training on the same YouTube data.
Also Read: LinkedIn Statistics: Active Users, Trends & Insights
Regulators worry this setup lets Google build stronger AI products while starving competitors of high-quality training material. The Commission has formally notified Google that it is investigating potential breaches of EU competition law.
If proven, Google could face massive fines, up to 10% of its global annual revenue, plus orders to change its practices. The company now has a chance to respond, but the outcome of this Google’s EU probe could reshape how Big Tech handles creator content across Europe. Publishers and rival AI firms are watching closely, hoping for fairer rules in the age of generative AI.
More News To Read: Google Unveils Social Channel Insights in Search Console
