Italy Seeks EU Probe Into Google AI Search, Raises Concerns Over Impact On Publishers

Italy’s communications regulator, AGCOM (Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni), has asked the European Commission to examine Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) search features following concerns from news publishers.

The regulator, acting as the country’s Digital Services Coordinator, referred Google Ireland Ltd for assessment under the Digital Services Act after a complaint from FIEG. The publishers’ group said AI-generated summaries reduce traffic to original news websites and affect revenue, especially for smaller outlets. It also flagged risks linked to incorrect or fabricated responses generated by AI systems, which may make it difficult for users to verify sources.

AGCOM has requested the Commission to review whether Google meets obligations on risk control, media diversity, and transparency under EU rules for large online platforms.

The regulator said it will also set up a forum with platforms and publishers to discuss copyright, artificial intelligence, and media diversity.