EU regulators ask publishers about Google AI search opt-out

EU antitrust regulators are asking publishers for feedback on Google’s proposal to let them opt out of AI search without affecting their rankings in search results, according to a questionnaire seen by Reuters. The responses could influence an ongoing EU investigation that may lead to another fine if regulators conclude the plan does not resolve competition concerns or publisher complaints over the use of their content.

Google announced the AI opt-out for publishers in June, the same day the UK antitrust watchdog ordered the company to let publishers block their content from being used to power AI features. Google plans to roll out the option globally, declined to comment, and referred to its June 3 blog post.

Publishers have filed EU antitrust complaints over AI Overviews, Google’s AI-generated summaries that appear above traditional hyperlinks, citing concerns about falling traffic and declining revenues. The questionnaire, sent in July with an August 28 deadline, asked whether publishers would use the opt-out and what factors would shape that decision. It also sought views on search box changes announced in May, including the combination of AI Overviews and AI Mode into one AI Search.

Google, described as the world’s most popular internet search engine, has received more than 10 billion euros in EU antitrust fines for various violations over nearly two decades.