Competition Authority Launches Investigation and Imposes Interim Measures on Google

The Rekabet Kurumu has initiated a formal investigation into Google and its affiliated companies regarding generative artificial intelligence features integrated into its search engine.

Webtekno reported that the probe focuses on whether the AI mode and AI previews functions violate competition laws. Preliminary research indicated that AI summaries have fundamentally altered how users access information, which negatively impacts internet traffic for content creators and news publishers.

The authority is examining if content contracts contain unfair terms, if AI features exclude rival chat assistants, and if discriminatory practices exist regarding licensing and sourcing.

Due to strong suspicions that practices toward news publishers are exploitative and discriminatory, interim measures have been imposed. Google must now establish a non-discriminatory structure for publishers and ensure the economic value of used content is reflected fairly. Additionally, the company must allow publishers to decide on providing content to AI services independently of their general indexing and visibility in search results.