The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently launched an investigation into artificial intelligence technology and its potential competition and consumer concerns. Microsoft and Google have had a noteworthy showdown with the development of these technologies which can be beneficial to make people more productive. Such technologies involve large language models and generative AI (e.g. Microsoft-backed OpenAI) which can create content for users like a chatbot, composing a sonnet in the style of William Shakespeare.
The CMA cautions that there are risks associated with the rapid advancement of AI technology and explained that the investigation will look into how foundation models could evolve and how the opportunities and risks may affect consumers. The investigation will finish in September with the release of a report.
Microsoft recently attempted to buy video game publisher Activision Blizzard, which the CMA blocked to protect competition in the cloud gaming market despite harsh criticism. The government has requested that regulators review AI systems regarding safety, transparency, and accountability.
In the US, White House Vice President Kamala Harris had meetings with Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic to discuss responsible AI development while Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan expressed watchfulness in the event of an AI violation of antitrust and consumer protection laws.
Microsoft is an American technology company based in Redmond, Washington. The company develops and manufactures a wide range of computer products and services, including operating systems, office productivity software, cloud services, and personal computers.
Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States, previously serving as the junior US Senator from California and the attorney general of California. Harris has a long history of championing causes related to civil rights, the criminal justice system, healthcare, and immigrant rights. During her congressional career, Harris advocated for reducing gun violence, passing the Dream Act, and reforming the criminal justice system.
