OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research organization, has announced changes to its governance structure, resulting in the end of Microsoft’s representation on its board.
This move comes as antitrust authorities in the EU and US scrutinize the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, amid broader concerns about competition in the rapidly growing AI sector.
According to a statement from OpenAI, the organization will instead host regular meetings with partners, including Microsoft and Apple, and investors like Thrive Capital and Khosla Ventures, as part of a new approach to engaging with key strategic partners. This shift is seen as a way to maintain independence while fostering collaboration.
Microsoft had accepted a non-voting role on the board following a tumultuous period at OpenAI last year, which saw the attempted ousting of CEO Sam Altman. The company’s partnership with OpenAI has been crucial to the startup’s success, providing computing power and cloud storage worth billions. However, as antitrust concerns have grown, both companies have downplayed their ties.
The European Commission and the US Federal Trade Commission are exploring potential antitrust investigations into the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership and similar investments by Big Tech companies in generative AI startups.
OpenAI has emphasized its independence, stating that it “remains an entirely independent company governed by the OpenAI Nonprofit.” The organization looks forward to continuing its successful collaboration with Microsoft and other partners.
