The E.U. is looking for input on the state of competition in virtual worlds and artificial intelligence (AI) ahead of the potential probe.
Microsoft’s 49% stake in ChatGPT maker OpenAI may soon come under scrutiny in Europe. The European Commission has signaled its intent to investigate whether the Redmond company’s investments in the AI firm deserve review under the EU Merger Regulation.
In a document published on the E.U.’s website on Jan. 9, the commission announced a call for contributions concerning competition in “virtual worlds” and AI. It also stated that it’d sent “requests for information to several large digital players,” though it didn’t specify what companies, organizations, or individuals were contacted.
The commission also asserted that it was “looking into some of the agreements that have been concluded between large digital market players and generative AI developers and providers” without specifying which companies were under review.