Microsoft resigns from the OpenAI board
Microsoft, the maker of the popular Windows software that invested $13 billion in the maker of ChatGPT, has announced its intention to withdraw its representative from the board of the startup OpenAI.
The move was communicated in a letter sent to the startup, according to an anonymous source close to the matter, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the topic. Apple was originally expected to take on a similar role, but according to an OpenAI spokesperson, the startup will not have any observers on the board following Microsoft's departure.
Microsoft gained an observer role on the OpenAI board last November. The move came after Sam Altman returned as CEO. This position allowed Microsoft to attend board meetings and have access to confidential information. However, he was not given any voting rights and could not participate in decisions regarding the election or selection of directors.
In the last month, European regulators have announced that they plan to conduct a survey of Microsoft's competitors $MSFT-1.0% regarding the exclusive use of OpenAI technology. The move underscores the growing pressure on one of the world's most valuable companies to leverage OpenAI services to bolster its Windows and Copilot AI platforms. The United States has also launched a separate antitrust investigation into Microsoft's alleged dominance in the rapidly expanding field of artificial intelligence, as reported by Bloomberg News.
Microsoft
MSFT"Over the past eight months, we have seen significant progress from the newly formed board and are confident in the direction the company is headed," Microsoft said in a memo sent to OpenAI and reviewed by Bloomberg News. "We no longer believe our limited role as an observer is necessary."
Microsoft, which also operates the Azure cloud computing service, has faced questions about its continued investment in the area. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also launched an investigation into whether Microsoft properly informed antitrust authorities of its deal with Inflection AI. In March, the Redmond, Washington-based giant agreed to pay the startup $650 million to license its AI software and hire much of its staff.
"We are grateful to Microsoft for expressing confidence in the advice and direction the company is taking, and we look forward to a continued successful partnership," OpenAI said in a statement to Bloomberg News, without commenting specifically on Microsoft's decisions.
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