EU antitrust regulators have questioned several publishers regarding Google's option to opt out of AI-generated search results, according to economictimes.indiatimes.com. The inquiries are part of a broader investigation into whether Google's AI search practices comply with competition laws. The discussions took place recently as regulators seek clarity on how publishers’ content is used in AI search features.
The European Commission has engaged with publishers to understand the mechanics of Google's opt-out system for AI search. This system allows content owners to exclude their material from being used to train or display in AI-powered search results. Regulators are examining if this opt-out mechanism is effective and transparent, and whether it impacts competition or user choice, the report said.
This scrutiny comes amid growing concerns about the dominance of large tech firms in AI search and their control over content usage. The investigation aligns with the EU’s Digital Markets Act enforcement, which aims to ensure fair competition and protect content creators. Similar regulatory actions have targeted other aspects of AI and digital platform operations within the EU.
The European Commission’s ongoing probe into Google’s AI search opt-out policy reflects heightened regulatory attention on AI content governance. The Commission has not yet announced any formal decisions or penalties related to this inquiry, leaving the investigation’s outcome pending.