Penske Media Corporation, owner of titles like Rolling Stone, Billboard and Variety, has sued Google, accusing it of unlawfully using its content to create AI-generated summaries that harm publishers’ revenue.
This is the first lawsuit directly targeting Google and its parent company Alphabet over AI summaries in search results, though other publishers and authors have taken legal action against AI firms over copyright issues. Google also faces antitrust complaints in Europe regarding its AI Overviews feature.
“As a leading global publisher, we have a duty to protect PMC’s best-in-class journalists and award-winning journalism as a source of truth,” said Penske Media CEO Jay Penske in a statement.
“Furthermore, we have a responsibility to proactively fight for the future of digital media and preserve its integrity — all of which is threatened by Google’s current actions,” he added.
The complaint alleges Google abuses its dominant search position by pressuring PMC to allow republishing of its content in AI Overviews and to use it for AI training—terms beyond previous arrangements. Google requires publishers to supply their content for AI uses that reduce search referrals, forcing them to choose between consent or pulling out of Google search, which would be “devastating,” the suit says.
Since AI Overviews launched, PMC has noticed a significant drop in traffic from Google searches, threatening advertising, subscription and affiliate income. Google denies these claims, with spokesperson José Castañeda stating AI Overviews make search “more helpful” and send traffic to a wider range of sites.
This lawsuit comes amid scrutiny of big tech’s market power. A recent federal ruling found Google maintained an illegal monopoly but stopped short of ordering a break-up, reflecting growing AI competition.