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OpenAI Warns EU Regulators of Big Tech’s Growing Grip on AI Markets

By  |  October 9, 2025

OpenAI has raised red flags with European Union antitrust regulators over what it describes as potentially anti-competitive practices by major tech companies, including Alphabet Inc.’s Google, Microsoft Corp., and Apple Inc., according to Bloomberg.

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    The artificial intelligence company, which has grown rapidly to become one of the world’s most influential startups, met with EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera on September 24 to voice its concerns. During the meeting, OpenAI reportedly detailed the “difficulties” it encounters when competing against established technology giants and urged European regulators to take steps to “avoid the lock-in of customers by large platforms,” per Bloomberg’s account of the meeting notes.

    According to Bloomberg, OpenAI specifically warned about challenges in several digital sectors, including cloud computing and app development. The company argued that access to key datasets is essential to ensure fair competition in the emerging AI market. Individuals familiar with the matter said that Google, Microsoft, and Apple were identified as the main focus of OpenAI’s complaints during the hybrid meeting, which included both in-person and virtual participants.

    Related: OpenAI and Anthropic Consider Using Investor Funds to Cover AI Copyright Suits

    The European Commission declined to elaborate on the discussions, beyond referencing the meeting summary, Bloomberg reported. Representatives for Google, Microsoft, and Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. An OpenAI spokesperson directed Bloomberg to a previous company blog post outlining its concerns over bottlenecks in AI development—particularly regarding Google’s dominance in key infrastructure areas.

    While OpenAI’s statements stop short of a formal antitrust complaint, Bloomberg noted that any escalation could strain its relationships with other major players in the tech ecosystem, particularly Microsoft. The two firms have been closely aligned since forming a multibillion-dollar partnership that helped accelerate the integration of OpenAI’s models into Microsoft’s products. Yet, tensions have grown as both companies increasingly compete for the same customers.

    As Bloomberg highlighted, Microsoft’s Copilot app now directly rivals OpenAI’s flagship ChatGPT platform, while OpenAI’s growing enterprise customer base overlaps with a core segment of Microsoft’s business.

    Source: Bloomberg