Google has agreed to pay a fine of 250 million euros to the French competition watchdog for breaching European Union copyright laws during the training of its AI service, Gemini (formerly known as Bard). The dispute stemmed from allegations that Google used content from local publishers and news agencies without proper notification and clearance. Despite calling the fine disproportionate, Google opted to accept it to resolve the long-standing case and focus on sustainable approaches in collaboration with French publishers. The development comes amidst Google's plans to establish an AI-dedicated hub in Paris, signaling its commitment to the French AI ecosystem.


Google has agreed to pay a hefty fine of 250 million euros to the French competition watchdog for violating European Union copyright laws during the training of its AI service, Gemini (formerly known as Bard). The French competition authority raised concerns that Google's AI service was trained using content from local publishers and news agencies without appropriate notification and clearance.


In response to the fine, Google addressed the issue on its French-language blog, highlighting its efforts to establish licensing agreements with 280 French press publishers, amounting to several tens of millions of euros per year. Despite contesting the fine's proportionality, Google acknowledged the need to end the prolonged case and shift focus towards sustainable collaborations with French publishers.


The fine settlement follows a copyright dispute initiated by leading news companies in France, including Agence France Presse, concerning online content usage. While Google expressed dissatisfaction with the fine's magnitude, it emphasized its commitment to constructive engagement with regulators and publishers.


Coinciding with the fine settlement, Google recently announced plans to establish an AI-dedicated hub in Paris in collaboration with the French government. The initiative aims to foster innovation and support France's AI ambitions, underscoring Google's commitment to the country's technological ecosystem.


France's burgeoning AI landscape is further bolstered by the presence of startups like Mistral AI and its Mistral large language model, indicating a broader ecosystem conducive to technological innovation. Microsoft's partnership with Mistral AI to make the Mistral LLM accessible on Azure AI Studio and Azure Machine Learning further highlights the collaborative efforts shaping France's AI future.



Google's settlement with French authorities signifies a pivotal moment in the regulation of AI technologies and intellectual property rights. While the fine underscores the importance of adhering to copyright laws, Google's commitment to collaboration and innovation bodes well for the future of AI development in France.


(SAVANNAH FORTIS, COINTELEGRAPH, 2024)