Google—Google used YouTube creator content to train AI models internally while blocking competitors and refusing creator compensation
Google used YouTube video content to train its Gemini and Veo AI models without explicit creator consent or compensation, while simultaneously prohibiting competitors from accessing the same content via YouTube's terms of service. In December 2024 YouTube introduced opt-in settings for third-party AI training but these did not apply to Google's own internal use. In January 2026, Google publicly stated it should not pay for 'freely available' web content used in AI training. The EU opened an investigation in December 2025.
Scoring Impact
| Topic | Direction | Relevance | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intellectual Property Ethics | -against | primary | -1.00 |
| Overall incident score = | -0.966 | ||
Score = avg(topic contributions) × significance (high ×1.5) × confidence (0.64)
Evidence (2 signals)
Google publicly stated it should not pay for freely available web content used in AI training
In January 2026, Google public affairs executive Roxanne Carter clarified that the company does not believe it should pay for 'freely available' content used to train AI models, while making deals for archival/specialized content not publicly available.
CNBC confirmed Google uses YouTube videos to train Gemini and Veo AI models without creator compensation
Reporting confirmed Google uses YouTube video content to train its Gemini and Veo 3 AI models. While YouTube introduced opt-in settings for third-party AI training in December 2024, these controls do not apply to Google's own internal use. YouTube does not facilitate payments between AI companies and creators.