In a move that highlights growing tensions between tech giants and media outlets, a group of independent publishers in Europe has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission, accusing Google of "appropriating their content" without permission and using it in its newly launched "Smart Summaries" (AI Overviews) feature, which debuted in May 2025.
What Are "Smart Summaries"?
This feature leverages artificial intelligence to generate quick answers displayed at the top of search results. These summaries are based on content from multiple websites — but without directly citing sources or redirecting users to the original sites. The feature is currently available in over 100 countries.
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Publishers’ Concerns:
The complaint, supported by organizations such as the Alliance of Independent Publishers and the Open Web Movement, highlights:
- Copyright violations through unauthorized use of content.
- A decline in web traffic to the original sites.
- A lack of a fair opt-out option that wouldn't harm their visibility in search results.
Google’s Response:
Google claims that the "Smart Summaries" are designed to make information more accessible and enhance content discovery, noting that web traffic is influenced by multiple factors, including algorithm updates and shifts in user behavior.
The Broader Context:
This complaint comes at a time when Google is also facing similar investigations in the UK over its use of AI in search. It signals a significant shift in the relationship between tech and media, particularly as users increasingly rely on AI-generated information.