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Microsoft and Apple Withdraw from OpenAI Board Amid Regulatory Pressure

The tech giants step back from advisory roles as global scrutiny over AI partnerships intensifies.

altman nadella
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, left, appears onstage with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at OpenAI's first developer conference, on Nov. 6, 2023, in San Francisco. Microsoft has quit its seat on the board of OpenAI, saying its role is no longer needed because the ChatGPT maker has improved its governance since being roiled by boardroom chaos last year. In a letter sent on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Microsoft confirmed it was resigning, “effective immediately,” from its role as an observer on the board. (AP Photo/Barbara Ortutay, File)
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Overview

  • Microsoft relinquished its non-voting observer seat on OpenAI's board, citing significant progress by the new board.
  • Apple, which was expected to take a similar observer role, has also decided not to join the board.
  • The decisions come as regulators in the US, UK, and EU increase scrutiny of Big Tech's influence over AI startups.
  • OpenAI will now engage with strategic partners through regular stakeholder meetings instead of board representation.
  • The move aims to address antitrust concerns and ensure independent governance of OpenAI.