EU Antitrust Regulators Question Publishers on Google AI Search Opt-Out Amid Revenue Concerns

EU antitrust regulators quiz publishers on Google's AI search opt-out

BRUSSELS, Sept 1 (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators are seeking feedback from publishers on Google's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab proposal to let them opt out of AI search without affecting their rankings in search results, a questionnaire seen by Reuters showed. The publishers' feedback could determine the outcome of an ongoing EU investigation that could result in yet another hefty fine for Google if the proposal fails to address competition concerns and publishers' ⁠worries about unfair use of their content. Google announced its AI opt-out for publishers in June, the same day the UK antitrust watchdog ordered it to allow publishers the option to stop their content being used to power its AI features. The U.S. tech giant, which plans to roll out the opt-out globally, declined to comment and referred to its June 3 blog post on the topic. Its AI Overviews, ⁠which are AI-generated summaries that appear above traditional hyperlinks, have triggered EU antitrust complaints by publishers concerned about falling traffic and declining revenues. The EU questionnaire, sent out in July with an August 28 deadline for replies, ⁠asked if publishers will make use of the opt-out and the factors influencing their decision. The document also asked publishers for their views on changes ⁠to Google's search box announced in May which included bringing AI Overviews and AI Mode into one AI Search. The world's most ⁠popular internet search engine has racked up more than 10 billion euros in EU antitrust fines for various violations over nearly two decades. Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Cynthia Osterman Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab * Suggested Topics: * Artificial Intelligence * Data Privacy * Regulatory Oversight * Antitrust * Corporate Counsel Foo Yun Chee Thomson Reuters An agenda-setting and market-moving journalist, Foo Yun Chee is a 21-year veteran at Reuters. Her stories on high profile mergers have pushed up the European telecoms index, lifted companies' shares and helped investors decide on their next move. Her knowledge and experience of European antitrust laws and developments helped her break stories on Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta and Apple, numerous market-moving mergers and antitrust investigations. She has previously reported on Greek politics and companies, when Greece's entry into the eurozone meant it punched above its weight on the international stage, as well as on Dutch corporate giants and the quirks of Dutch society and culture that never fail to charm readers.

Google Under Pressure in EU Over AI Use of Content

Google announced in June a global rollout of this opt-out option, following a similar request from the UK's competition authority. Publishers are particularly concerned about "AI Overviews", AI-generated summaries shown above traditional links, which could reduce traffic to their sites and their revenue. The European questionnaire asks, amongst other things, whether they plan to use the opt-out mechanism and what criteria will guide their decision. Brussels is also reviewing changes to the search engine, including the closer integration of AI Overviews and AI Mode into an experience called AI Search. If Google's proposals are deemed insufficient, the company could face another major financial penalty. The US giant has already received more than €10bn in fines from European competition authorities over nearly two decades.