Poland Investigates Google for Alleged Abuse of Dominant Position in Publisher Negotiations

Poland's antitrust regulator has accused Google of abusing its dominant market position in negotiations with local publishers. The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection claims Google did not provide enough information to publishers, making it difficult for them to assess compensation offers for content displayed in Google Search, Google News, and Discover.

The investigation comes after a 2024 amendment to Polish copyright law, which aligns with EU rules requiring online platforms to pay publishers for using their content. The regulator argues that the lack of transparency gave Google an unfair advantage in negotiations, effectively allowing the company to impose its own terms.

If found guilty, Google could face a fine of up to 10% of its turnover, though no penalty has been imposed yet. The potential financial impact remains unclear, as the report does not specify the exact amount Google might owe. This investigation is separate from another European Commission probe into Google's use of publisher content in AI services, opened in December 2025.

For Alphabet Inc. investors, the latest regulatory challenge adds to growing concerns about how Google handles third-party content. The next key development will be Google's response and any formal findings from the Polish investigation.