U.K. Clears Microsoft-OpenAI Partnership of Antitrust Concerns

The Competition and Markets Authority concluded that Microsoft's influence over OpenAI does not constitute a merger or harm competition in the AI sector.

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced it will not launch a formal antitrust investigation into Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI.
The CMA determined that Microsoft's investment and collaboration with OpenAI do not amount to a merger or give Microsoft control over OpenAI's commercial policies.
Concerns over Microsoft's influence arose after its substantial financial backing of OpenAI and its involvement in the reappointment of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in 2023.
Recent adjustments in the partnership, including a renegotiated cloud computing agreement and waivers for OpenAI to build independent infrastructure, were noted as reducing Microsoft's control.
Microsoft welcomed the CMA's decision, emphasizing that the partnership supports competition, innovation, and responsible AI development.