the CMA is now investigating Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI to see whether it “has resulted in a relevant merger situation” that could impact competition in the UK https://t.co/inRNXOdqJK
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) December 8, 2023
Since 2019, we’ve forged a partnership with OpenAI that has fostered more AI innovation and competition, while preserving independence for both companies. The only thing that has changed is that Microsoft will now have a non-voting observer on OpenAI’s Board, which is very…
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) December 8, 2023
The CMA really has a bone to pick with Microsoft, Lol.
Microsoft has invested massively into OpenAI but get no-control, the OpenAI board acted completely irrational and should have informed Microsoft as their major investor in their plans, Microsoft protected their investment by getting a non-voting observer seat on OpenAI's board so next time they aren't blindsided by their major investment doing something stupid.
OpenAI's board reacted extremely poorly, Microsoft has a responsibility to protect their shareholders too. That they want an observation seat on a massive investment linked to their entire company with absolutely zero voting power is reasonable. If the CMA opens an investigation then what an utter waste of money it would be.
Makes me think CMA is going to be on Microsoft's ass for a while now.