Japan Probes AI Giants: Google, Microsoft, OpenAI Under Antitrust Scrutiny

Japanese regulators are launching an investigation into major technology companies over artificial intelligence (AI). The focus is on potential violations of the country's Antimonopoly Law. The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) will examine both domestic and foreign firms. These include Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and the AI search company Perplexity AI. A leading Japanese tech firm is also part of the inquiry. Officials are concerned that these large companies may be unfairly restricting competition in the AI sector. The investigation will look at whether their business practices limit market access for smaller competitors. This move places Japan among a growing number of nations examining the power of big tech in the AI field. The FTC has not yet announced a timeline for the probe's completion.