Microsoft, Apple Drop OpenAI Board Plans as Scrutiny Grows

  • Apple is also not joining as expected after position scrapped
  • Global watchdogs are looking into Big Tech’s clout in AI
WATCH: Microsoft and Apple have relinquished the chance to be observers on OpenAI’s board. Tom Mackenzie reports.Source: Bloomberg

Microsoft Corp. and Apple Inc. dropped plans to take board roles at OpenAI in a surprise decision that underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech’s influence over artificial intelligence.

Microsoft, which invested $13 billion in the ChatGPT creator, will withdraw from its observer role on the board, the company said in a letter to OpenAI on Tuesday, which was seen by Bloomberg News. Apple was due to take up a similar role, but an OpenAI spokesperson said the startup won’t have board observers after Microsoft’s departure.