EU antitrust regulators are seeking additional opinions on partnerships between Big Tech companies like Microsoft and OpenAI, as well as Google’s deal with Samsung, according to EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager. This move could potentially lead to investigations and penalties as regulators express concern about Big Tech’s dominance in new technologies. Vestager has sent questionnaires to major tech companies to gather information on their AI partnerships, and will be requesting more details on Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI to determine if certain exclusivity clauses may harm competitors. The European Commission will not be reviewing this partnership under merger rules, as Microsoft has not gained control over OpenAI despite its significant investment. Concerns have been raised about how Big Tech’s AI partnerships may hinder smaller developers from reaching users. Information requests will also be sent to better understand the impact of Google’s agreement with Samsung to pre-install its AI technology on certain devices. Additionally, Vestager mentioned the consideration of “acquihires,” where companies acquire others primarily for their talent, citing Microsoft’s recent acquisition of startup Inflection as an example. This acquisition allowed Microsoft to access Inflection’s technology and talent. The EU’s scrutiny of these partnerships and acquisitions reflects a broader global unease about the growing influence of Big Tech in the tech industry.
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https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/eu-seeks-views-on-microsoft-openai-google-and-samsung-deals-eus-vestager-says-3501435
