Judge Slams Google Over Unfair Use of Publisher Content in AI Search

Google is facing another antitrust lawsuit over its use of online articles to train and power its AI search features. The lawsuit, filed by Penske Media in September 2025, alleges that Google's setup with digital publishers is 'really unfair'. US District Judge Amit Mehta is presiding over the case and has shown skepticism towards Google's arguments.

Google claims that its use of publisher content for AI Overviews is a simple 'product improvement' and that publishers can opt out if they don't like how their content gets used. However, Judge Mehta pointed out that product improvements are not immune to antitrust laws and that Google's shiny new AI features are being built 'on the backs of the publishers'. He noted that competing AI players like OpenAI and Perplexity are actively paying news outlets and creators licensing fees to use their content.

The hearing highlighted a glaring double standard in the AI market, where Google is taking publisher data for free while driving up costs for competitors. Judge Mehta's skeptical questioning suggests he sees a strong link between Google's existing search monopoly and how it dictates terms to publishers.