Google Rehires Character.AI Founders, Stirring AI Industry Concerns

The move highlights Big Tech's growing influence over AI talent and the challenges faced by start-ups.

Character.AI founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas return to Google with part of their team.
The deal raises antitrust questions similar to those involving Microsoft and Amazon's AI acquisitions.
Character.AI had been valued at $1 billion but struggled with profitability and competition.
The trend reflects the difficulty AI start-ups face in scaling without substantial funding.
Top AI researchers are increasingly crucial for tech giants amid the AI development race.