EU investigating whether Google's AI uses YouTube creator content

The European Commission is investigating whether Google is using YouTube creator content to train its generative AI models on unfair terms, including doing so without proper compensation or giving creators a genuine ability to refuse.

Announcing the action on Tuesday, the Commission said it would examine whether the tech giant is breaching competition rules and using its access to YouTube’s creator library to disadvantage rivals.

The regulator is focusing on Google’s terms of service, which require creators to grant it permission to use their videos and data for multiple purposes, including AI training, as a condition of uploading to the platform. Creators cannot publish on YouTube without accepting this use of their content, and Google does not pay them in return.

The Commission is also examining Google’s use of web publishers’ content to power features such as AI Overviews and AI Mode, which generate summaries at the top of search results. Specifically, it is investigating whether these features rely on publisher content without appropriate compensation, and whether publishers are unable to refuse without risking access to Google Search.

EU competition chief Teresa Ribera said the inquiry is intended to ensure that the development of AI does not undermine creator or publisher rights. “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,” she said.

A Google spokesperson responded that the complaint “risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever,” adding that the company will continue working with the creative industries “as they transition to the AI era.”

The Commission said it will now carry out its in-depth investigation as a matter of priority. EU antitrust investigations have no fixed deadline, and duration depends on the complexity of the case.