Microsoft's $10 billion partnership with OpenAI faces possible probe by EU watchdog
Jan 09, 2024 - businessinsider.com
The European Commission is considering whether to investigate Microsoft's $10 billion investment in OpenAI under EU merger regulations. The commission, which is closely monitoring AI partnerships for potential market distortion, could launch a full-scale probe if the companies are found to be in breach of the rules. This follows a similar move by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority in December, which also questioned whether the partnership gave Microsoft undue power over the AI startup.
The commission has invited comments from interested parties until March 11 on how the partnership could impact market competition. Both Microsoft and OpenAI have yet to respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.
Key takeaways:
The European Commission is considering whether to investigate Microsoft's $10 billion investment in OpenAI under EU merger regulations.
If the companies are found to be in breach of the rules, a full-scale probe could be launched.
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority previously stated it would assess whether the partnership gave Microsoft undue power over the AI startup.
Interested parties have until March 11 to comment on the potential impact on market competition.
