Executives at OpenAI have reportedly discussed accusing Microsoft, the company’s major backer, of anticompetitive behavior during their partnership. According to the Wall Street Journal, this potential move could involve seeking a federal regulatory review of their contract for potential antitrust law violations, as well as a public campaign.
The partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, established in 2019, saw Microsoft invest $1 billion to support OpenAI’s AI development on its Azure cloud platform. This early investment positioned Microsoft at the forefront of the AI race and propelled both companies to industry leaders.
However, OpenAI has since sought to reduce its reliance on Microsoft. The company plans to incorporate Alphabet’s Google Cloud service to meet its growing computing needs, as reported by Reuters earlier this month. This development comes after Microsoft relinquished its board observer seat at OpenAI last year to address antitrust concerns in the U.S. and the UK regarding its influence over the startup.
The potential accusation against Microsoft highlights the complex dynamics between major tech players in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. OpenAI, Meta, and Google are all vying for dominance in the ideal AI device, intensifying competition and regulatory scrutiny.
Spokespersons for both OpenAI and Microsoft have not yet responded to Reuters’ requests for comment on the matter.
