French publishers challenge Google's AI practices

French publishers have formed a coalition to challenge Google over its AI Overviews (AIO) and AI Mode (AIM) features, which they claim use their content without proper compensation. The Syndicat de la presse indépendante en ligne (SPIIL) and four other organizations are gathering evidence to present to the European Commission, arguing that Google is exploiting their content unfairly.

Complaint highlights competition concerns

The complaint to the European Commission follows an ongoing investigation into whether Google has violated EU competition rules by using content from publishers and YouTube videos to train its AI services. The European Commission opened the investigation in December 2025, focusing on whether Google’s practices unfairly favor its own services and harm publishers.

Publishers demand fair compensation

The five organizations are urging the European Commission to examine how Google’s practices affect competition, publishers’ control over their content, and the sustainability of digital publishing. They argue that AI companies should not be exempt from paying for the content they use, which is essential for producing reliable information.

DVP Société seeks action in France

The DVP Société des Droits Voisins de la Presse, a collective rights management organization, has already initiated procedures with the French Competition Authority. It is asking its members to document instances where Google’s AI features have pilfered content from publishers, supporting the broader European effort against the tech giant.

Signatories represent diverse publishers

The coalition includes five major organizations: CPA – Collective for Digital Marketing Actors, FNPS – National Federation of Specialized Information Press, GESTE – Group of Online Content and Service Publishers, SEPM – Union of Magazine Press Publishers, and SPIIL – Union of Independent Online Information Publishers. Together, they represent a wide range of digital content publishers across France.