U.S. antitrust enforcers are focusing on preventing anticompetitive behavior in the artificial intelligence sector to maintain U.S. dominance, according to a Department of Justice official. This includes monitoring data access and potential mergers to ensure fair competition. The Trump administration is prioritizing AI innovation and competition in the tech industry.

Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater emphasized the importance of protecting competition in the AI industry to encourage innovation. The DOJ will investigate exclusionary behavior that limits access to key inputs and distribution channels, as well as monitor data access to prevent anticompetitive practices in the market.

Access to data is a key area of concern for antitrust enforcers, with recent orders for Google to share search data with competitors to increase competition in online search. Vertical integration and mergers between companies and their suppliers could impact competition, especially in industries with valuable data like healthcare.

Antitrust enforcers are wary of companies acquiring data to gain a competitive advantage and potentially depriving rivals of data. Open-source AI models could enhance competition in the industry, as long as they are not controlled by a single vendor that restricts access and influence. This aligns with Trump’s AI action plan to promote American technology.

President Joe Biden’s administration shares similar concerns about AI competition and has scrutinized Big Tech partnerships with AI startups. The focus remains on promoting competition and innovation in the AI sector to ensure a level playing field for all companies.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Trump’s AI plan supports antitrust enforcement, DOJ official says