EU antitrust regulators investigating Microsoft and OpenAI, Google and Samsung partnerships, concerns about dominance

From The Indian Express: 2024-06-29 22:52:56

EU antitrust regulators are considering investigating Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI due to concerns about exclusivity clauses. Google’s similar deal with Samsung is also under scrutiny. Margrethe Vestager will seek third-party views on the matter. Regulators are wary of Big Tech’s dominance in new technology, echoing their power in other sectors.

Vestager sent questionnaires to major tech companies regarding AI partnerships, now requesting further information on Microsoft and OpenAI’s agreement. Concerns include exclusivity clauses affecting competition. Additionally, the EU is looking into Google’s arrangement with Samsung to pre-install Gemini Nano on certain devices.

Google’s deal with Samsung involves embedding AI technology in Galaxy S24 smartphones. Vestager is also examining “acqui-hires,” where companies acquire others for talent. She has raised concerns about these practices potentially leading to concentration and will ensure they don’t bypass merger control rules.



Read more at The Indian Express: AI deals between Microsoft and OpenAI, Google and Samsung, in EU crosshairs | Technology News