Are They Considering the Nuclear Option? – Computerworld

Antitrust lawsuits pose a significant threat to Microsoft, particularly recalling a damaging case in the late 1980s and 1990s that hindered its technological advancement in areas like the internet and mobile computing. Currently, Google, Meta, Apple, and Amazon are facing federal antitrust actions, while Microsoft remains unscathed—at least for now. However, investigations are ongoing regarding Microsoft’s use of AI, cloud, and productivity technologies potentially breaching antitrust laws. If OpenAI were to implicate Microsoft, it could escalate to formal prosecutions, potentially leading to severe consequences, including breaking up the company or divesting its AI segments. In response, Microsoft is contemplating a drastic strategy to abandon negotiations and leverage its existing contract with OpenAI to secure access to its technology until 2030. Such a move could jeopardize OpenAI’s public offering and threaten its $400 billion investment from SoftBank and other stakeholders.

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