The media companies accused Google of using their content online and for training its AI chatbot, Gemini, without permission or compensation.

This comes after the European Union introduced "neighbouring rights" in 2019, allowing news organizations to demand payment for their work.

France has been at the forefront of enforcing these rights, previously fining Google €500 million for failing to negotiate with media outlets in good faith.

In 2022, Google agreed to negotiate payment with news organizations within three months of a copyright complaint. However, the French regulator found that Google failed to uphold this agreement.

The regulator also found that Google failed to provide a system for news outlets to object to the use of their content for training its AI chatbot.

Google has agreed to the fine and proposed corrective measures. Other EU countries are also investigating Google's practices regarding news content. (ILKHA)