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

(Catch all the Technology News News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

SynopsisThe 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.

AgenciesEU antitrust regulators are seeking feedback from publishers on Google's 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 US 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.

Read more news onGoogle AI search opt-outEU antitrust regulatorscontent use concernspublishers feedbackAI Overviewssearch results rankings

(Catch all the Technology News News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.

Is crude oil becoming a financial problem?Q1 investment numbers look stellar, but are we celebrating too early?Patent Cliff approaching: Can Indian pharma companies repeat past success?ET Prime special: Bigger, Better or Both? Understanding business to figure out the mystery: Power Grid Corp – Part 1ET Prime special series: 2013 to 2026. Not years, but evidence: Power Grid, Part 2When a CFO resigns, is ‘personal reasons’ explanation enough?What LIC should do to remain money-spinner for govt, policyholdersFrom survival to 193 mn subscribers: Is Vi finally making a comeback?Behind the sugar price drop: Exports, imports and a non-factor called ethanolAs IndiGo, Air India scramble for pilots, fresh headwinds hit hard