Google faces EU antitrust complaint over AI Overviews

A coalition of independent publishers filed a formal antitrust complaint with the European Commission against Google, accusing the tech giant of using its AI-generated summaries — known as AI Overviews — to siphon traffic and revenue from news outlets across Europe. The group, led by the Independent Publishers Alliance, is also urging regulators to impose an interim measure to prevent what it calls “irreparable harm” while the case is investigated.

The backdrop. AI Overviews, rolled out globally in over 100 countries, appear at the top of Google’s search engine results pages. The feature leverages AI to summarize answers to user queries — often pulling information from publisher content. Google began inserting ads into these summaries in May. Publishers argue that the AI Overviews are cannibalizing user clicks and diminishing visibility for original reporting.

Why we care. Google’s AI Overviews may significantly shift user behavior in search, reducing clicks to organic and paid results that traditionally drive traffic and conversions. If users get their answers directly from AI-generated summaries, fewer may engage with publisher content or ad placements. This could impact campaign performance, measurement, and ROI—especially for brands relying on high-intent search traffic.

What they’re saying. “Google’s core search engine service is misusing web content,” the complaint reads — Independent Publishers Alliance, in a document dated June 30

The group claims publishers have no ability to opt out of having their content used to train Google’s large language models or appear in Overviews — without also being removed from regular search listings.

Google’s response. Google defended the feature, saying AI in Search “creates new opportunities for content and businesses to be discovered.”

“The reality is that sites can gain and lose traffic for a variety of reasons, including seasonal demand, interests of users, and regular algorithmic updates to Search,” a Google spokesperson told Reuters.

Google also claimed it sends “billions of clicks” to websites each day.

Why it matters. This complaint piles pressure on Google just as the European Union ramps up enforcement under its Digital Markets Act (DMA), aimed at curbing Big Tech’s market power. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority confirmed it received a similar complaint. The action mirrors a recent lawsuit in the U.S., where an edtech company said AI Overviews damaged their visibility and subscriber base.

What’s next. The European Commission has not commented on the complaint. But if the interim measure is granted, it could temporarily limit AI Overviews in the EU — and shape how AI integrates into global search going forward.