Google’s AI deal with Samsung faces EU antitrust scrutiny over chatbot competition concerns

EU antitrust authorities are investigating an artificial intelligence deal between Google and Samsung to assess whether it hinders the operation of rival chatbots on Samsung smartphones, a document seen by Reuters shows.

Information requests issued

European Union antitrust investigators are asking industry players whether Google’s multi-year deal with Samsung on generative artificial intelligence (AI) makes it harder for rivals to deploy chatbots on Samsung smartphones, according to an EU document seen by Reuters.

Earlier this month, the European Commission announced it would send information requests to better understand the implications of the arrangement, which is believed to involve Samsung building Google’s Gemini Nano chip into Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series of Android phones.

If the EU competition authority finds any anti-competitive behaviour, this step can help the company prepare a case against the companies.

Installation concerns

The survey asked whether preinstalling Gemini Nano on the device itself or in the cloud imposes limits on the number of other generative AI systems that can be preinstalled on another device.

Regulators also wanted to know whether pre-installing Gemini Nano limits the ability of other chatbots and apps pre-installed on Samsung smartphones to communicate with each other.

Deadline for submitting questionnaires

According to Investing.com, respondents were asked if they had tried to obtain pre-installation agreements from device manufacturers but had been unsuccessful. If so, they provided reasons for failure.

Respondents have until this week to respond to the eight-page survey.