Google under scrutiny from the EU for using third-party online content to train its AI
The European Commission will investigate whether Google is illegally using third-party online content to train its AI.
The European Union (EU) suspects that Google is illegally feeding its AI systems with third-party online content (which it would ultimately use to train and refine these systems). Given the seriousness of this suspicion, the European Commission (EC) has decided to launch an investigation into the internet giant to determine whether the Mountain View company has violated current EU competition rules.
The Commission also criticizes Google for using third-party content without offering any compensation to those affected in order to answer user queries on its renowned search engine. Brussels will investigate whether Google has imposed unfair conditions on publishers and content creators and has used its dominant position to disadvantage other AI model developers.
«A free and democratic society depends to a large extent on diverse media, open access to information, and a vibrant creative landscape,» emphasizes Teresa Ribera, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Competition. According to Ribera, AI brings remarkable innovations and many benefits to both citizens and businesses operating in the EU, but it is important that progress does not come at the expense of principles deeply rooted in European society.
There are other ongoing investigations against Google within the EU.
The European Commission is also concerned about content management on Google’s subsidiary, YouTube. On this platform, content creators must grant Google permission to use their videos for various purposes (including training generative AI models). However, despite making their videos available to Google, content creators receive no compensation. Furthermore, YouTube prohibits Google’s rivals from using its video platform to train their own AI systems (which is obviously a potential advantage for the Mountain View company).
The European Commission will investigate whether or not Google has abused its dominant market position through these practices. Brussels insists that the launch of the investigation against Google does not constitute proof of any wrongdoing by the internet giant. It is unknown exactly how long the investigation initiated by the European Commission will last. There are also other ongoing investigations against Google, including one assessing the discriminatory practices the US multinational is allegedly engaging in against media outlets and publishers.
Source: www.marketingdirecto.com
