Google faces antitrust investigation over acquisition of AI chatbot

According to insiders, the US Department of Justice is investigating whether Google (GOOG. O) has violated antitrust laws by agreeing to use artificial intelligence technology from a popular chatbot manufacturer. According to informed sources, antitrust enforcement agencies have recently informed Google that they are reviewing whether the transaction structure they have built with Character.AI is intended to evade formal government merger and acquisition reviews. According to the agreement reached last year, the founder of this chatbot manufacturer joined Google, and Google also obtained a non exclusive technology usage license. A Google spokesperson stated in an email statement, 'We are always happy to respond to regulatory inquiries. The addition of Character. AI talent is exciting, but Google does not hold any equity in it and the company remains independent in operation.'. ”Even if the transaction does not require formal review, the Ministry of Justice still has the right to investigate whether it constitutes anti competitive behavior. It is reported that the investigation, which is currently in its early stages, has not yet brought any allegations of misconduct against Google and may not ultimately take enforcement action.