Google's AI Overviews Challenged

Google is facing an antitrust complaint in the EU over its AI Overviews feature, with the Independent Publishers Alliance alleging misuse of publisher content. The complaint, submitted to the European Commission, claims that AI Overviews, which summarise information at the top of search results, are cannibalising traffic and revenue from news outlets. Publishers argue they have no way to opt out of having their content used in AI training or summaries without losing search visibility.

The core issue revolves around Google's alleged abuse of its dominant market position, with publishers claiming the AI summaries use their content without proper consent, impacting readership and advertising revenue. The Alliance is urging regulators to implement interim measures to prevent further harm while the case is investigated. Google defends the feature, stating it creates new opportunities for content and businesses to be discovered and drives billions of clicks to websites daily.

This action mirrors similar concerns and lawsuits in the US, where companies argue that AI Overviews reduce demand for original content. The European Commission has yet to comment, but the UK's Competition and Markets Authority has acknowledged receiving the complaint. The complaint also highlights the lack of an opt-out option for publishers, forcing them to choose between inclusion in AI summaries and overall search visibility.