US antitrust inquiry targets OpenAI, Anthropic’s deals with big tech firms

The US Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday it had ordered OpenAI, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Anthropic to provide information on recent investments and partnerships involving generative AI companies and cloud service providers.

Generative AI, which like ChatGPT uses data to create new content, has drawn attention from lawmakers and regulators globally, concerned it could be used to threaten national security, amplify influence operations or facilitate fraud. Deals among the small number of powerful players and Big Tech have raised antitrust concerns.