Italy: Communications Regulatory Authority filed request to European Commission to evaluate Google's AI services over alleged systemic risks to publishers and AI-generated misinformation risks

On 29 April 2026, the Communications Regulatory Authority (AGCOM) filed a complaint requesting that the European Commission evaluate Google Ireland's Artificial Intelligence (AI) services, specifically AI Overviews (AIO) and AI Mode, under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The complaint was submitted following a report from the Italian Federation of Newspaper Publishers (FIEG), which alleged that the introduction of AI Overviews in Italy has caused significant reductions in the visibility and discoverability of editorial content, jeopardising the economic sustainability of publishers and authors, particularly smaller and independent outlets, while undermining freedom of expression, information pluralism, and media plurality. FIEG also stated that AI-generated responses risk containing errors, inaccuracies, or fabricated information, without offering users straightforward means to verify sources. AGCOM stated that, potentially, an investigation may be launched into possible violations of obligations for very large online platforms and search engines (VLOP/VLOSE) regarding systemic risk mitigation related to freedom of information, media pluralism, and transparency of recommendation systems. It was also stated that AGCOM's Board established a permanent discussion forum between Google, other interested platforms, and publishers to support dialogue on copyright, AI, and pluralism protection.