The European Union is increasing its oversight of the artificial intelligence industry, particularly focusing on Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI. The European Commission initially reviewed the agreement last year to determine if it violated EU merger rules but concluded that Microsoft did not gain control of OpenAI. However, the commission is now taking a different approach, considering the potential impact on competition in the market.
Microsoft has invested $13 billion in OpenAI over the years, and the commission is now examining whether certain exclusivity clauses could negatively affect competitors. Requests for information have been sent to major AI players such as Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and TikTok. The EU aims to ensure that partnerships like the one between Microsoft and OpenAI do not lead to one partner gaining significant control over the other.
The EU’s rigorous scrutiny reflects its commitment to regulating big tech companies and AI players. European Union regulators have been at the forefront of global efforts to rein in the industry, with the upcoming AI Law set to be the world’s first comprehensive regulation for AI.
The EU is also focusing on consumer choice, investigating Google’s deal with Samsung to pre-install Gemini Nano on some devices. Gemini Nano is a foundational model for generative AI systems like chatbots. Additionally, the commission is conducting preliminary antitrust investigations into various AI-related markets and acquisitions, where one company buys another primarily for its talent, as in the case of Microsoft hiring senior officials from Inflection AI.
Microsoft and OpenAI are cooperating with the commission’s review, and both companies are committed to maintaining a competitive and innovative AI industry. The EU is dedicated to ensuring that AI markets remain fair and open, with a focus on preventing anti-competitive practices and concentrations of power. The regulatory landscape for AI is evolving rapidly, and the EU’s proactive approach aims to protect consumers and promote competition in the industry.
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https://finance.yahoo.com/news/european-unions-competition-boss-signals-165529543.html