From Nasdaq: 2024-07-10 09:48:54

Tech giants Microsoft and Apple are stepping down from their positions on the Board of Directors of AI startup OpenAI. Microsoft, the largest investor, has quit its observer seat, citing significant progress in the company. Apple, set to join the Board, is no longer taking the seat following regulatory scrutiny on generative AI.

OpenAI spokesperson confirms Microsoft’s exit and mentions a new approach to engage key partners like Microsoft and Apple. Regular stakeholder meetings will focus on safety and security collaboration. Microsoft initially took the board seat during a turbulent period for OpenAI last year.

The news comes amid the European Commission’s potential antitrust investigation into Microsoft and its deals with generative AI developers. Concerns over the impact of these partnerships on market dynamics have prompted scrutiny. Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI is under review by the Commission.

This move follows Apple’s recent AI development deal with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into iOS 18. Phil Schiller, former head of marketing at Apple, was set to join OpenAI’s board as an observer. With both Microsoft and Apple now stepping back, the future of their partnerships with OpenAI remains uncertain.



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