Microsoft, Apple Step Back From OpenAI Board Amid Antitrust Push

Microsoft (MSFT) has reportedly stepped backmost from its non-voting committee spot connected nan committee of ChatGPT shaper OpenAI little than a twelvemonth aft joining it, while Apple (AAPL) has reportedly declined nan opportunity to return a akin domiciled arsenic it integrates ChatGPT into caller iPhones and operating systems.

The decisions, reported by The Financial Times and Bloomberg early Wednesday, travel arsenic regulators successful nan U.S. and overseas person stepped up efforts to rein successful nan power of large tech companies successful caller months.

Microsoft Gives Up Board Seat After Seeing 'Significant Progress'

Microsoft first took nan committee spot pursuing a tumultuous play for nan generative AI startup successful November 2023, erstwhile nan committee fired and past rehired Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sam Altman wrong days.

In a missive reportedly sent to OpenAI precocious Tuesday, Microsoft said it had seen "significant progress" complete nan past 8 months, putting it successful a position wherever its assurance successful OpenAI's early makes it nary longer basal to clasp its advisory committee seat, nan FT reported.

Apple, which announced a caller business pinch OpenAI astatine its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) past month, reportedly has passed connected nan chance to besides person a non-voting committee spot arsenic its business pinch OpenAI develops. An OpenAI spokesperson told nan FT that it plans to clasp regular meetings pinch investors and partners for illustration Apple and Microsoft to support them informed.

Antitrust Push Against Big Tech Growing

The decisions from Microsoft and Apple travel arsenic their industry faces much scrutiny from national regulators than they person successful caller years. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) person filed lawsuits against Apple, Microsoft, Meta Platforms (META), and Google genitor Alphabet (GOOGL), among others, accusing them of anticompetitive behavior.

Abroad, nan European Union's (EU) landmark large tech law, nan Digital Markets Act (DMA), went into effect earlier this year, pinch regulators informing nan large tech companies that a number of their practices may break nan law, opening them up to important fines.

Regulators person besides questioned investments and hirings by Microsoft and Google successful nan AI space, debating whether nan companies person gained an unfair advantage successful nan increasing manufacture arsenic Microsoft has invested billions into OpenAI.

Microsoft, Apple, and OpenAI did not instantly respond to requests for comment.

Microsoft and Apple shares were some up astir 0.4% by 8:15 a.m. ET Wednesday to $461.27 and $229.68, respectively.