US regulator opens inquiry into artificial intelligence investments

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US' Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into generative artificial intelligence (AI) investments and partnerships.

The regulator issued orders to five companies on Thursday, requiring them to provide information regarding recent investments and partnerships involving generative AI and major cloud service providers.

It said the companies are involved in three separate multi-billion-dollar investments – Microsoft and OpenAI, Amazon and Anthropic, and Google and Anthropic.

The companies will have 45 days from the date they receive the order to respond, according to a statement.

The inquiry will help the agency deepen the understanding of investments and partnerships formed between generative AI developers and cloud service providers.

The FTC said it is seeking information specifically related to the practical implications that include decisions around new product releases, governance or oversight rights, in addition to the partnerships' competitive impact and information related to market share.