OpenAI Tells EU Big Tech Dominance Threatens AI Innovation

OpenAI has raised concerns with European regulators that Apple, Microsoft, and Google’s dominance in the technology ecosystem could hinder competition in the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector. According to meeting minutes released by the European Commission (EC), representatives from OpenAI met on September 24, 2025, with officials from the antitrust office led by Teresa Ribera to discuss challenges facing emerging AI providers in markets controlled by Big Tech platforms. 

During the meeting, OpenAI argued that platform lock-in practices—such as the dependency on app stores and operating systems owned by Apple and Google—create barriers for AI startups seeking user access and distribution. The company emphasized the need for “timely action” from regulators to ensure that users are not restricted to specific ecosystems and that competition remains fair in what it called the “dynamic and evolving market” for AI-based services. 

Ironically, OpenAI maintains partnerships with both Apple and Microsoft. Apple currently integrates OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology into its Apple Intelligence features. Microsoft is a major investor and strategic collaborator, embedding OpenAI’s models into products like Copilot and Azure AI services. Despite these alliances, OpenAI’s message to regulators suggests growing unease over the power imbalance between startups and dominant tech platforms. 

No formal antitrust investigation initiated, but the disclosure signals that OpenAI may be preparing for a regulatory push to limit Big Tech’s influence in the AI sector. The move comes amid the European Union’s broader efforts to enforce the Digital Markets Act (DMA), designed to curb monopolistic behavior by “gatekeeper” firms. 

Analysts note that OpenAI’s stance reflects a larger industry tension. As AI innovators rely on Big Tech for infrastructure and distribution. Yet fear being squeezed out of control over how their technologies reach users. 

Source: 

https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/09/openai-complains-to-eu-that-apple-microsoft-google-may-hamper-growth?utm_source=rss