📌 Rising Discontent Over Content Use
Independent European publishers have formally lodged an antitrust complaint against Google with the European Commission, targeting the tech giant’s AI Overviews feature. The publishers allege that Google unfairly uses their content in AI-generated summaries without proper compensation, which threatens their visibility, traffic, and revenue streams.

📌 What Are AI Overviews?
Launched as part of Google Search enhancements, AI Overviews summarize web content using generative AI. These summaries often provide answers without directing users to original publisher sites, a move critics say undermines fair competition and stifles the open web ecosystem.

📌 Core of the Complaint
The complaint, filed by the European Innovative Media Publishers (EIMP), argues that Google's use of publishers' content to train and power AI Overviews violates EU competition law. They say Google is “abusing its dominant position” by using news content without appropriate licenses or remuneration.

📌 Regulatory Context in Europe
The European Commission has been closely monitoring Big Tech’s behavior under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect in March 2024. Google, already classified as a “gatekeeper,” is under scrutiny to ensure it treats competitors fairly. This complaint could trigger further investigations or restrictions on Google’s AI products in the EU.

📌 Publisher Voices and Concerns
Smaller digital and independent publishers have raised alarm bells about declining web traffic since AI Overviews rolled out. They argue that this shift consolidates power with Google and leaves fewer opportunities for media outlets to reach audiences organically.

📌 Google's Response
In a brief statement, Google said it remains committed to supporting journalism and is “engaging constructively” with the European Commission and publishers. The company claims AI Overviews are designed to enhance user experience without replacing content creators.