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Microsoft and OpenAI strike non-binding deal to enable restructuring

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Microsoft and OpenAI announced on Thursday that they have signed a non-binding agreement to redefine their partnership, paving the way for OpenAI to restructure into a for-profit company. The move would allow the ChatGPT creator to adopt a more conventional governance model, raise capital more freely, and potentially pursue an eventual IPO.

While details of the new commercial terms were not disclosed, both companies said they are working toward a definitive agreement. The talks mark a major shift in one of the most closely watched partnerships in the AI sector, forged to fuel the global boom in generative AI.

Microsoft has invested $11 billion in OpenAI since 2019 and until recently enjoyed exclusive rights to market OpenAI’s tools through its Azure cloud platform. But the dynamic has shifted: OpenAI has launched its own Stargate data center project, signed $300 billion in contracts with Oracle, and struck another cloud deal with Google, signaling its desire to diversify partnerships and reduce reliance on Microsoft.

For its part, Microsoft wants to preserve access to OpenAI’s technology even if OpenAI claims to reach artificial general intelligence (AGI) — a threshold that under current terms would end the partnership.

OpenAI is targeting a $500 billion valuation, with its nonprofit arm set to receive more than $100 billion, according to chairman Bret Taylor. The conversion still requires approval from attorneys general in California and Delaware, and OpenAI risks losing billions in tied funding if it fails to finalize the transition by year-end.

The evolving relationship underscores the growing competitive tension between the two. Microsoft is developing its own AI models to reduce dependency, while both companies continue to compete in enterprise tools and consumer-facing chatbots.

FTC Probes AI Chatbots from Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI and Others

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The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on Thursday that it has launched an inquiry into major providers of AI-powered consumer chatbots, including Alphabet (Google), Meta Platforms, OpenAI, Character.AI, Snap, and xAI.

Focus of the Inquiry

The FTC is demanding details on:

  • How chatbots are tested, measured, and monitored for potential negative impacts.

  • Monetization strategies, including how companies profit from user engagement.

  • Processing of user inputs and the generation of responses.

  • Use of conversation data, and whether it is exploited for advertising, training, or other commercial purposes.

Rising Scrutiny

Generative AI tools have recently drawn criticism following safety scandals:

  • Reuters revealed internal Meta policies that allowed chatbots to engage in romantic conversations with children.

  • OpenAI is facing a lawsuit alleging ChatGPT contributed to a teenager’s suicide.

  • Character.AI is under a separate lawsuit tied to another teen death.

Company Responses

  • Character.AI: said it will cooperate, highlighting new safety features rolled out over the past year.

  • Snap: welcomed the FTC’s focus, saying it supports policies that balance innovation with community protection.

  • Meta: declined to comment.

  • Alphabet, OpenAI, xAI: did not immediately respond.

Bigger Picture

The inquiry reflects Washington’s growing concern over AI risks, especially for children and vulnerable users. Regulators are looking to balance innovation with consumer protection, while lawsuits and scandals raise urgency for stricter oversight.

OpenAI and Nvidia to Back Billions in UK Data Center Investments – Bloomberg

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OpenAI and Nvidia plan to announce major support for billions of dollars in UK data center projects next week, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter. The initiative will be carried out in partnership with London-based Nscale Global Holdings.

High-Profile Visit

  • Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) and Jensen Huang (Nvidia CEO) are expected to be in the UK as part of a U.S. tech delegation coinciding with President Donald Trump’s visit.

  • Several other U.S. firms are also preparing to unveil tens of billions of dollars in UK investments during the trip.

Strategic Importance

The planned data center buildout reflects soaring demand for AI and cloud infrastructure, as companies worldwide race to secure computing power for advanced machine learning applications.

Silence From Stakeholders

  • Nvidia declined to comment.

  • OpenAI, Nscale Global, the White House, and Downing Street did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

If confirmed, the pledge would mark one of the largest U.S. tech investments in the UK’s digital infrastructure, reinforcing Britain’s bid to position itself as a hub for AI innovation and cloud expansion.