The European Union has opened a formal investigation into Google over its new search summaries, which appear at the top of search results. Regulators want to determine whether Google used content from publishers and creators without permission or fair compensation.
The European Commission explained that the inquiry will focus on how Google gathers information from websites to generate these summaries. The probe also includes Google’s new “Mode,” a tool that delivers conversational-style answers directly in search. It exists alongside the traditional search platform but offers users quicker, more direct responses.
Concerns from publishers grew soon after Google introduced these enhanced summaries. Many feared they would reduce traffic to websites, resulting in lower advertising revenue. The Daily Mail previously claimed that its search traffic dropped by nearly 50% following the update.
The Commission says it is particularly worried that both website publishers and video creators may not be compensated or allowed to opt out of their work being used to power Google’s systems.
Ed Newton-Rex, from the group Fairly Trained, argued that avoiding platforms like YouTube is unrealistic for creators. He said it often feels as though publishing online means automatically allowing companies to use your work to develop tools that may compete with you.
Rosa Curling, co-executive director of the rights group Foxglove, welcomed the investigation but urged immediate action. She said the risks to journalism and independent media are serious and ongoing. Curling believes publishers need a fast and clear opt-out option to protect their reporting.
To achieve this, companies rely on vast amounts of online content. Many creatives fear their original work may be used without consent, ultimately affecting their rights and livelihoods.
Commission executive vice-president Teresa Ribera stated that Europe values strong media diversity, open access to information, and a thriving creative environment. Innovation should continue, she said, but not at the expense of those principles.
Tensions between the EU and major tech firms have been rising. The Commission’s enforcement actions, including large fines, have sparked anger from some US policymakers. Recently, Elon Musk’s platform X removed the Commission’s advertising account after regulators imposed a €120 million penalty related to its verification badges.
