What's happened
As of December 9, 2025, the European Commission is investigating Google and Meta for potentially unfair AI practices. Google faces scrutiny over using news and YouTube content without paying publishers for its AI search features. Meta is under probe for policies limiting rival AI on WhatsApp and for data privacy concerns. These actions reflect ongoing EU efforts to regulate Big Tech's AI impact on competition and user rights.
What's behind the headline?
EU's AI Antitrust Investigations: A Strategic Regulatory Push
The European Commission's investigations into Google and Meta mark a decisive step in regulating AI's integration into digital platforms. Google's use of publishers' articles and YouTube videos to power AI-driven search features without compensation challenges traditional content monetization models and raises competition concerns. Meta's policies restricting third-party AI on WhatsApp and its opaque data usage practices highlight the risks of platform dominance stifling innovation.
This regulatory scrutiny is not merely about enforcing competition law but about reshaping the digital ecosystem to ensure fairness and transparency. The EU's approach signals a shift from reactive fines to proactive oversight, aiming to prevent monopolistic behaviors before they entrench.
For consumers, these probes could lead to more control over personal data and content use, while publishers might gain fairer compensation mechanisms. However, the tension between fostering AI innovation and protecting societal principles will require nuanced policy balancing.
Looking ahead, expect the EU to expand its regulatory toolkit, possibly leveraging the Digital Markets Act more aggressively. US-EU tensions may rise as American tech firms face stricter rules abroad, potentially influencing global AI governance standards. Users should anticipate changes in how AI features operate on major platforms, with increased transparency and opt-out options becoming standard.
What the papers say
Thomas Barrabi of the NY Post highlights the EU's concern that Google "used web publishers' articles and videos to build its 'AI Overviews' search summary feature and 'AI Mode' search function without paying them or allowing them to opt out." The Post also notes Google's defense that the inquiry "risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever." AP News provides a detailed account of the Commission's investigation, emphasizing that it is conducted under longstanding competition rules and could lead to fines up to 10% of Google's global revenue. Teresa Ribera, the EU antitrust chief, is quoted saying, "AI is bringing remarkable innovation... but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies."
Regarding Meta, the New York Times reports on the EU's move to allow users to opt out of Meta's data collection for advertising without paying a subscription, following a €200 million fine. The Times also mentions ongoing antitrust probes into Meta's WhatsApp AI policies. AP News and Politico confirm the Commission's formal investigation into Meta's restrictions on third-party AI providers on WhatsApp, with Ribera warning about potential "irreparable harm to competition in the AI space."
Al Jazeera adds depth on Meta's AI data practices, noting the lack of opt-out options for users and the use of public content to train AI, raising privacy concerns. Business Insider UK provides context on shifting user behaviors away from traditional search engines like Google toward AI tools and social media platforms, underscoring the competitive landscape that regulators are navigating.
Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of the EU's multifaceted regulatory efforts targeting AI's disruptive impact on competition, content rights, and user privacy.
How we got here
The EU has intensified antitrust scrutiny of US tech giants amid concerns over AI's impact on competition and content use. Google was fined $3.4 billion in September 2025 for ad tech violations. Meta faced a €200 million fine earlier this year for coercive data consent policies. The EU aims to protect publishers, creators, and consumers while fostering AI innovation within its regulatory framework.
Go deeper
- How does the EU's investigation affect Google and Meta's AI features?
- What rights do EU users have regarding AI data collection on Meta platforms?
- Could these EU probes influence AI regulation globally?
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Facebook, Inc. is an American social media conglomerate corporation based in Menlo Park, California. It was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his fellow roommates and students at Harvard College, who were Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Mosk
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The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.
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Google LLC is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.
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WhatsApp Messenger, or simply WhatsApp, is an American freeware, cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service owned by Facebook, Inc.
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Teresa Ribera Rodríguez is a Spanish jurist, university professor, and politician who has served as the Minister for the Ecological Transition of Spain since 2018, after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez coming into power following the successful no-confiden