EU Probes Google Over AI Training and YouTube Data Use

• Dec 09, 2025

The European Union has opened an antitrust investigation into how Google may be using data from YouTube to train its generative artificial intelligence models, raising new questions about consent, fairness, and compensation for online creators. The probe focuses on whether Google relied on YouTube videos while training its AI systems without properly paying content creators or giving them a clear choice to decline participation.

According to the concerns outlined by EU regulators, the central issue is whether Google accessed YouTube content in a way that disadvantages the individuals who upload videos to the platform. The investigation aims to determine if creators were denied the ability to opt out of having their work used in AI development, despite their material forming a significant part of the platform’s value. Regulators also want to know whether Google received a competitive advantage by using these videos without offering adequate compensation.

At the heart of the inquiry is the question of whether YouTube creators were treated fairly in the evolving digital landscape, especially as generative AI becomes increasingly powerful and dependent on large volumes of online data. The EU’s move signals a wider concern about how major technology companies gather and use content posted by millions of individuals who may not be fully aware of how their work is being integrated into sophisticated AI products.

The investigation does not make direct accusations but seeks clarity on Google’s practices. By looking into whether creators were properly informed or compensated, the EU aims to ensure that digital platforms operate transparently and that individuals contributing content are not sidelined as AI technology expands. While the process is still in its early stages, the probe highlights the growing global scrutiny surrounding data use and the rights of creators in the age of artificial intelligence.