The move could lead to investigations and possible sanctions, underscoring the unease among regulators worldwide on Big Tech leveraging its dominance into the new technology.

Vestager had in March sent questionnaires to Microsoft, Google, Meta's Facebook and ByteDance's TikTok as well as other big tech companies related to their AI partnerships.

"We have reviewed the replies, and are now sending a follow-up request for information on the agreement between Microsoft and OpenAI. To understand whether certain exclusivity clauses could have a negative effect on competitors," she told a conference.

--Reuters--