Google-Character.AI Partnership is drawing our antitrust investigation amid growing AI concerns | Mint

The US Department of Justice has a preliminary investigation into whether Google has violated Antitrust laws through a partnership with the boot character of artificial intelligence, Bloomberg reports with reference to sources. The authorities are reportedly investigating whether the agreement is deliberately structured to bypass formal regulatory investigations that are typically associated with mergers or acquisitions. Although no official charges have been filed, the investigation emphasizes the increasing concern among regulators that major technology firms can utilize such partnerships to suppress the emerging competition in the fast-moving AI sector. Google and Character.AI’s agreement under the agreement, Google has secured a non-exclusive license to use Character.AI’s Great Language Model Technology. In addition, the founders of the boot, who previously worked at Google, rejoined the technical giant last year, accompanied by some members of their research team. Nevertheless, Character remains an independent company, and Google has no ownership, a company spokeswoman confirmed. Google spokesman Peter Schottenfels said in ‘Ne -mail -answer: “We are excited that Character’s talent has joined the company, but we have no ownership and they remain a separate company. We are always happy to answer any questions from regulators.” The investigation of the Justice Department reflects a broader strategy adopted during the Biden Administration to strengthen the investigation into potential competitive behavior over the growing AI ecosystem. This includes analyzing partnerships that include advanced computer infrastructure and AI models, where established technical firms use their financial power to get disproportionate benefits. Bloomberg previously reported that the agreement includes a provision that allows existing character.AI investors to sell their shares at a valuation linked to about $ 2.5 billion. Although the transaction was not subject to a formal antitrust review at the time, investigators are now investigating whether such arrangements could be competitive in nature. Google Antitrust hear the civil investigation is coming amid increased legal pressure on Google, which has already been found by US courts to maintain illegal monopolies in both the online search and digital advertising markets. In one of the ongoing legal battles, the Justice Department has corrected that can separate the Chrome browser business from Google from its search operations. In the same case, regulators are also seeking judicial approval to hinder Google to strike standard search engines, especially those linked to AI products and to assign antitrust handshots to review all future AI-related acquisitions or collaboration, regardless of their size. Character.ai, known for its ability to generate chatbots that can mimic virtually any persona or concept, has grown in popularity quickly. The technology’s technology is praised for its versatility, but also sits in the center of regulatory debates on the use of data, competition and ethical AI deployment. While it is uncertain whether the current investigation will lead to maintenance action, this indicates a clear intent by regulators to stay in AI’s possible monopolistic practices. (With input from Bloomberg)