TLDR:
Microsoft’s partnership with Mistral AI in France will not be investigated by the UK antitrust authority. This decision highlights the importance of investment and partnerships in the AI economy. The Competition and Markets Authority in the UK is closely monitoring Big Tech’s investments in AI startups to prevent market manipulation.
Microsoft’s collaboration with Mistral AI will not be investigated by the British antitrust authority, as it does not give Microsoft the power to influence Mistral’s commercial policies significantly. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK has decided to close the case. This decision came after the CMA announced that it was looking into the partnership last month to assess its impact on competition in the UK.
The CMA is closely monitoring the investments of major tech companies in AI startups after finding an “interconnected web” of partnerships and investments in the industry. This oversight aims to prevent any manipulation of the market and address potential competition concerns. The authority will use its powers under merger control rules to determine if certain deals require scrutiny in the UK. This decision indicates the CMA’s proactive approach to regulating AI partnerships and investments to ensure a fair and competitive market environment.