OpenAI has voiced concerns to the European Commission (EC) about the growing influence of major tech companies—namely Apple, Google, and Microsoft—over the artificial intelligence industry. During a meeting with EU officials on September 24, 2025, the ChatGPT creator argued that entrenched digital ecosystems could hinder fair competition for emerging AI firms.
The meeting took place with representatives from Teresa Ribera, the EC’s antitrust lead. According to official minutes, OpenAI’s team highlighted the risk of “platform lock-in,” where users become tied to specific ecosystems, making it harder for independent developers to compete.
While OpenAI continues to collaborate with tech giants like Apple, which integrates ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence, and Microsoft, a major investor, the company maintains that the current balance of power heavily favors the incumbents.
Apple, Google, and Microsoft in the Spotlight
OpenAI emphasized that regulators must act quickly to prevent dominant companies from limiting user choice in AI-powered apps and services. These concerns echo wider debates within the EU about how digital gatekeepers influence software distribution and market access.
Despite its reliance on partnerships with Big Tech, OpenAI reportedly urged the EC to remain vigilant about how these firms could exploit their control over app stores and cloud infrastructure. Such dominance, the company argued, could create barriers for smaller AI players trying to reach users directly.
However, critics point out the irony of OpenAI’s complaint. The company benefits from deep integration with both Apple and Microsoft—relationships that have accelerated its global reach rather than limited it.
EU Yet to Announce Further Action
The European Commission has not confirmed whether OpenAI’s comments will lead to formal antitrust action. So far, the discussion remains exploratory, focusing on identifying potential competition risks in AI markets.
For now, OpenAI appears to be walking a fine line—collaborating with the very companies it warns regulators about. The move signals the company’s growing awareness that while Big Tech partnerships drive innovation, they may also shape the future of AI access and control.
As the EU continues tightening oversight on digital markets, OpenAI’s intervention could set the stage for the next major regulatory battle over who controls the world’s AI ecosystems.
