Google (GOOGL) Faces New EU Antitrust Probe Over AI Content Practices (2025)

Google (GOOGL) is under renewed EU antitrust scrutiny over claims it used copyrighted web articles and its own YouTube content to train AI models (e.g., AI Overviews, AI Mode) without proper compensation or opt-outs[1][2]. This follows a $3.4 billion EU fine in September 2025 for ad tech violations[3] and ongoing compliance obligations under the EU’s DMA and DSA regulations, which target tech platforms’ self-preferencing practices[1]. A prominent Reddit discussion on the topic included a false claim that EU revenue from fining US tech firms exceeded European company taxes. This claim was debunked by Eurostat data showing 2024 EU total tax revenue (€7.281 trillion) was over 1,170x larger than total EU fines on US tech firms (≈€6.2 billion)[5][6]. Public sentiment in the Reddit thread was 71% negative (criticizing EU regulation as a revenue grab), 2% positive (supporting regulation against monopolies), and 27% neutral (noting EU B2B innovation and market size)[0].

1. Misinformation Spread Risk
   : The false Reddit claim about EU fine revenue (score 28) had higher engagement than accurate points, highlighting the potential for misleading narratives to dominate tech regulatory discussions. Fact-checking could mitigate this, but negative sentiment may persist in tech-focused communities.
2. EU Regulatory Momentum
   : The probe reinforces the EU’s position as a strict regulator of Big Tech, extending beyond traditional antitrust to emerging AI practices. This aligns with global efforts to address AI content and competition concerns.
3. Google’s Strategic Challenges
   : The investigation adds to Google’s reputational pressures in Europe and may force adjustments to its AI training and content licensing practices, potentially impacting its AI service offerings.

• Google Risks
  :
  • Regulatory: Potential fines up to 10% of global annual revenue ($350 billion in 2024)[1], though past EU fines have been much smaller.
  • Reputational: Continued negative sentiment about antitrust compliance in Europe.
• EU Risks
  :
  • Misinformation about regulatory fairness could undermine public trust in EU tech policies.
• Opportunities
  :
  • Google may negotiate with publishers to resolve the issue pre-fine, setting a model for AI content licensing.
  • The probe could establish global precedents for transparent and fair AI content utilization rules.

• Google faces a December 2025 EU antitrust probe over AI content practices[1][2].
• A Reddit claim about EU fine revenue exceeding European company taxes is factually incorrect[5][6].
• Public sentiment is largely negative but includes accurate neutral/positive perspectives on EU B2B innovation and market size[0].
• The investigation aligns with EU DMA/DSA regulations[1].
• Short-term: Media coverage will continue; fact-checking may address the false claim. Medium-term: Probe may take 6-12 months; negotiations with publishers are possible. Long-term: Global AI content rules may be influenced[0].