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FTC launches probe into AI investments, deals by Microsoft, Amazon and more

By
Reuters
Published Jan. 25, 2024, 1:21 p.m. ET

The Federal Trade Commission said Thursday it had issued ord𒉰ers to OpenAI, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Anthropic, requiring them to provide information on recent investments and partnerships involving generative AI companies and cloud servi🦩ce providers.

The orders are part of an inquiry that “will scrutinize corporate partnerships and investments with AI providers to build a better internal understanding of these relationships and their impact on the competitive landscape,” the FTC said in a statement.

The agency said the companies will have 45 days✅ from the date they receive the order to respond.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
OpenAI and Microsoft are among the companies ordered to provide information on investments and partnerships involving generative AI companies to the FTC. Getty Images
Federal Trade Commission building
The FTC said the companies will have 45 days from the date they receive the order to respond. AP

Earlier this month, Politico reported the Justice Department and FTC were in discussions over which agency can probe ChatGPT maker OpenAI on antitrust grounds, including the AI firm’s partnership with Microsoft.

Microsoft’s tie-up with OpenAI has raised antitrust scrutiny after the software giant committed to invest over $10 billion into OpenAI last year.