Microsoft and OpenAI: the US decides who can verify the partnership
In the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are negotiating which agency can investigate Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI, writes writes Reuters citing Politico.
The Trade Commission initiated talks with the ministry several months ago to determine which agency should review the issue. The concern stems from Microsoft’s huge investment in OpenAI.
According to the FTC representative, both agencies can effectively use their resources to protect American consumers from price increases and unfair competition.
Recently, it became known that Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI risks becoming a pretext for a full-scale investigation in the EU. The EC is reviewing whether Microsoft’s financial involvement in OpenAI may be subject to review under the EU regulations on merger agreements.
The British competition authority also announced that it will investigate whether Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI is worth looking into. They will check whether the balance of power between the two companies has changed to the extent that one of them has gained more control or influence over the other.