EU Authorities Investigate Google-Samsung AI Alliance for Potential Antitrust Breaches

Published Date: 18/07/2024

The European Commission is investigating whether Google's AI deal with Samsung is limiting competition in the chatbot market

"The European Commission, the antitrust regulator of the European Union, is delving into the details of Google's generative artificial intelligence (AI) partnership with Samsung. The probe aims to determine whether the deal hinders other companies from installing their chatbots on Samsung smartphones. The investigation centers around a deal that embeds Google's Gemini Nano AI model in Samsung's Galaxy S24 series smartphones.

A request for information sent to industry participants asks about the potential limitation of other generative AI systems on devices, the impact on interoperability between chatbots and apps, and whether companies have tried but failed to strike deals with device manufacturers. European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager expressed concern in June that big tech companies could restrict smaller foundation model developers from reaching end-users.

The commission is closely monitoring distribution channels to ensure businesses and consumers have a wide range of choices among foundation models. This move comes as the European Commission is also scrutinizing Amazon's compliance with the Digital Services Act, which requires large online platforms to do more to address illegal or harmful content. The regulator is also examining the ties between Microsoft and OpenAI, sending a follow-up request for information to understand whether certain exclusivity clauses could harm competitors.

As the use of AI and chatbots continues to grow, regulators are now paying closer attention to potential antitrust violations in the industry. The European Commission's probe into Google-Samsung partnership is a significant step towards ensuring fair competition and innovation in the AI market.

  Information  The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, enforcing EU laws, and representing the EU internationally. Google is a multinational technology company specializing in Internet-related services and products, including search, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Samsung is a South Korean multinational conglomerate headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul, manufacturing a wide range of consumer and industrial electronics.

   Google's Gemini Nano AI model is a generative AI system designed to power chatbots and other conversational interfaces. The European Union's Digital Services Act aims to create a safer digital space for users, and ensure that online platforms take responsibility for the content they host."

FAQs:

"Q: What is the European Commission investigating?

A: The European Commission is investigating whether Google's AI deal with Samsung is hindering competition in the chatbot market.

Q: What is the Gemini Nano AI model?

A: The Gemini Nano AI model is a generative AI system designed to power chatbots and other conversational interfaces.

Q: What is the Digital Services Act?

A: The Digital Services Act is a European Union legislation aimed at creating a safer digital space for users and ensuring that online platforms take responsibility for the content they host.

Q: Why is the European Commission scrutinizing Amazon's compliance with the Digital Services Act?

A: The European Commission is scrutinizing Amazon's compliance with the Digital Services Act to ensure that the company is taking adequate measures to address illegal or harmful content on its platform.

Q: What is the significance of the European Commission's probe into Google-Samsung partnership?

A: The probe is a significant step towards ensuring fair competition and innovation in the AI market, and highlights the regulators' growing concerns about potential antitrust violations in the industry."

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