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Nvidia’s French Offices Raided Amid EU Antitrust Probe

By  |  September 28, 2023

Nvidia’s French offices were raided by France’s competition authority this week as part of an investigation into potential anticompetitive practices, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The authority did not disclose specific details about the practices being investigated or the company targeted, but it mentioned that the inquiry was focused on the “graphics cards sector.”

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    The raid is said to be part of a broader investigation into the cloud-computing sector, with concerns being raised about the potential for larger cloud-computing companies to use their access to computing power to exclude smaller competitors. Nvidia, as the world’s largest maker of chips used for both artificial intelligence and computer graphics, was reportedly the target of the operation.

    Nvidia, however, declined to comment on the raid, and the French competition authority has not yet responded to requests for comment. The investigation comes at a time when competition in the cloud-computing industry is intensifying, with companies vying for market share and dominance.

    Related: EU Opens Full Scale Probe Into Nvidia’s $54B ARM Bid

    Cloud computing has become an integral part of many industries, providing scalable and flexible computing power to businesses and individuals. As the demand for cloud services grows, concerns about potential anticompetitive behavior have also increased. The French competition authority’s inquiry reflects a broader global trend of regulatory scrutiny into the practices of major technology companies.

    This raid on Nvidia’s French offices is not the first time the company has faced regulatory scrutiny. In 2020, the European Commission launched an investigation into Nvidia’s proposed acquisition of British chip designer Arm, citing concerns about potential harm to competition in the semiconductor industry. The investigation is still ongoing.

    The news of the raid had an impact on Nvidia’s stock price, with shares falling by around 2% following the report. Investors are closely watching the outcome of the investigation and its potential implications for the company’s operations and reputation.

    Nvidia has been a key player in the development and advancement of graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence technologies. Its products are widely used in various industries, including gaming, data centers, and autonomous vehicles. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications not only for Nvidia but also for the broader graphics cards and cloud-computing sectors.

    As the investigation progresses, it will be important to closely monitor any updates from both Nvidia and the French competition authority. The findings could have far-reaching consequences for the industry, potentially leading to changes in competition regulations and practices within the cloud-computing sector.

    Source: Reuters