Microsoft’s recent $13 billion investment in OpenAI has been drawing significant attention, especially from advocates for fair competition in the artificial intelligence sector. The tech giant is making strides to dispel any notion of stifling competition through a new partnership with OpenAI. In a move to showcase transparency and promote competition, Microsoft has unveiled its Principles of Access to AI.
These principles outline how Microsoft manages its data centers and other AI assets worldwide. Key aspects include the construction and operation of app stores to allow companies to choose different language models and AI products for their specific needs. Microsoft has also committed to excluding customer-owned data from its training models.
Furthermore, the principles ensure customers the flexibility to switch cloud service providers or switch between services offered in the cloud. They touch on areas such as cybersecurity of AI services, environmentally friendly data center construction, infrastructure, and investments in education.
Microsoft’s CEO, Brad Smith, officially announced these principles at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. While the company appears to be initiating dialogue with these principles, there are currently no specifics on how compliance will be monitored.
The unveiling of these principles comes on the heels of scrutiny by European Union competition authorities regarding Microsoft’s substantial investment in OpenAI. The EU is investigating whether competition laws apply to this investment, which has given Microsoft a 49 percent stake in the leading generative AI startup.
As Microsoft navigates these waters, the newly announced principles serve as a signal of the company’s commitment to fostering competition. By laying out guidelines for fair AI access and operation, Microsoft aims to address concerns and demonstrate its dedication to ethical practices in the AI sector.
