The world’s dominant search engine, now navigating regulatory scrutiny and AI integration
Common Sense Media finds Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode on default student devices may miss signs of suicide or eating disorders, with deepfake instructions and unturnable controls. Axios notes the safety rating is the lowest, while Google defends safeguards; debate centers on real-world impact on minors.
EU rules under the Digital Markets Act require Google to allow rival AI assistants on Android and to share anonymized search data with competing engines. The measures aim to boost choice while preserving privacy, with compliance set for 2027.
The European Commission has fined AliExpress €1.2 billion for failing to stop the sale of illegal, unsafe and counterfeit goods on its platform. Regulators found weak staffing, bypassable checks, ineffective brand controls and recommendation systems that promoted flagged items. AliExpress says the penalty is disproportionate and will appeal; it must submit a compliance plan by 20 October 2026.
Google announces Gemini has reached 1 billion monthly active users (MAUs) in the Gemini app, with voice input driving most usage. The milestone mirrors OpenAI’s ChatGPT and signals Gemini’s rapid integration across Google products, while OpenAI and others continue to compete in the AI race.