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AI deals between Microsoft and OpenAI, Google and Samsung, in EU crosshairs

Economic Times · 4m

The European Union (EU) may launch an antitrust investigation into Microsoft's collaboration with OpenAI due to concerns over exclusivity clauses, while Google's AI deal with Samsung is also under scrutiny. EU regulators are seeking additional perspectives to understand the potential negative impact on competitors. This highlights worldwide unease about tech giants leveraging their dominance in the AI sector. EU competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, has sent information requests to major tech companies regarding their AI partnerships. Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI will not be subject to EU merger rules, but concerns persist regarding Big Tech blocking smaller AI developers. Google's arrangement with Samsung is also being examined, as are acqui-hires, where one company acquires another primarily for talent.