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Allegations Levied against Google's AI Summaries
Allegations Levied against Google's AI Summaries

Dispute Regarding AI Summaries by Google

In a joint complaint, a coalition of media and digital economy associations has called upon the Bundesnetzagentur and the European Commission to investigate Google's AI Overviews, alleging that the feature places AI-assisted answers ahead of third-party content and deprives media houses of reach and advertising revenue.

The complaint, signed by organisations including the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Privater Rundfunk (APR), Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, BDZV, Deutsche Journalisten-Verband (DJV), EMMA European Magazine Media Association & ENPA European Newspaper Publishers' Association, MVFP, Initiative Urheberrecht e.V., and Verband Deutscher Lokalzeitungen und Lokalmedien e.V., raises concerns about media diversity, freedom of expression, and democratic discourse.

Daniela Beaujean, CEO of Vaunet - Verband Privater Medien, stated that Google AI Overviews reduce the reach and discoverability of independent, democracy-relevant private media. Christine Jury-Fischer, CEO of Corint Media, advocated for regulatory intervention to maintain media diversity and democratic discourse.

The complaint argues that Google's integration of AI-generated answers violates key provisions of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The signatories demand that the Federal Network Agency and the EU Commission investigate Google's "AI Overviews" for potential violations of the principles of the Digital Services Directive and take corrective measures if necessary.

The complaint also focuses on transparency, user rights, and compliance with data protection rules under EU law. The signatories call on Google to counter risks, lack of transparency, and misinformation.

The complainants urge the Bundesnetzagentur and the European Commission to ensure consistent implementation of the DSA and to collaborate in initiating a procedure against Google's AI Overviews in search results. The signatories hope that their call for action will promote a fair and competitive digital marketplace that respects the principles of media diversity, freedom of expression, and democratic discourse.

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