The partnership between ChatGPT maker OpenAI and its biggest backer Microsoft is under scrutiny from UK and US regulators, following the dramatic removal and subsequent return of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman.
After the series of tumultuous events last month, Microsoft was granted a non-voting observer position at OpenAI by its new board comprising chairman Bret Taylor, Larry Summers and Adam D'Angelo.
But while Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft can access OpenAI's confidential information and attend its board meetings, the company has no voting power.
“There have recently been a number of developments in the governance of OpenAI, some of which involved Microsoft,” the UK's Capital Markets Authority said.
“In light of these developments, the CMA is now issuing an ITC [invitation to comment] to determine whether the Microsoft/OpenAI partnership, including recent developments, has resulted in a relevant merger situation and, if so, the potential impact on competition.”
An ITC is the first part of the authority’s information gathering process and comes in advance of any launch of a formal phase one investigation, which is also the initial review to determine if a partnership raises prima facie concerns.
“The CMA will review whether the partnership has resulted in an acquisition of control – that is, where it results in one party having material influence, de facto control or more than 50 per cent of the voting rights over another entity – or change in the nature of control by one entity over another,” the CMA said.
Microsoft said that it does not own any stake in OpenAI.
“While details of our agreement remain confidential, it is important to note that Microsoft does not own any portion of OpenAI and is simply entitled to a share of profit distributions,” a Microsoft representative said.
Earlier on Friday, Microsoft president Brad Smith said the “independence” of both companies was maintained.
“Since 2019, we’ve forged a partnership with OpenAI that has fostered more AI innovation and competition, while preserving independence for both companies,” he said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“The only thing that has changed is that Microsoft will now have a non-voting observer on OpenAI’s board … we will work closely with the CMA to provide all the information it needs,” he said.
The US Federal Trade Commission, meanwhile, is also examining the nature of Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI and if it is breaking antitrust laws, Bloomberg reported, citing a source.
Lina Khan, FTC's chairwoman, has been vocal about potential risks from AI, having already opened a consumer protection investigation into OpenAI to find out if ChatGPT puts consumer reputations and data at risk.
She is also leading an appeal to challenge Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of video game company Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft, which has supported California-based OpenAI since 2019, had this year pledged a reported $10 billion to further boost the company and maintained its commitment to their partnership.
“We have a long-term agreement with OpenAI with full access to everything we need to deliver on our innovation agenda and an exciting product road map,” Microsoft chairman and chief executive Satya Nadella had said shortly after Mr Altman was dismissed.
The National could not reach Microsoft for comment as its UAE offices are closed on Saturday.
The scrutiny on OpenAI comes just weeks after drama swept OpenAI, beginning when Mr Altman was fired by the company on November 17, after its board found he was not consistently candid in his communications.
That triggered a series of events. Immediately after Mr Altman's removal, OpenAI chief technology officer Mira Murati was appointed as interim chief executive.
Then, on November 20, OpenAI appointed ex-Twitch boss Emmett Shear as its interim chief executive. Mr Altman, meanwhile, was appointed by Microsoft to lead an advanced AI research team.
OpenAI's staff reportedly threatened to quit and join Mr Altman at Microsoft's new AI unit unless the board resigned, mounting pressure on the company.
Mr Altman was eventually reinstated on November 22, bringing days of intense discussions to a close.
The UK and US scrutiny also comes amid the EU's Friday approval the Artificial Intelligence Act, designed to cut the risks from the growing and increasingly powerful technology.
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
EPL's youngest
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MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
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VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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AGUERO'S PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD
Apps: 186
Goals: 127
Assists: 31
Wins: 117
Losses: 33
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: SimpliFi
Started: August 2021
Founder: Ali Sattar
Based: UAE
Industry: Finance, technology
Investors: 4DX, Rally Cap, Raed, Global Founders, Sukna and individuals
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
