Tensions in the AI sector: British competition authority investigates Microsoft's personnel policy

The British competition authority has launched an investigation into Microsoft's hiring practices concerning senior employees from the start-up Inflection AI. This investigation comes against the backdrop of previously expressed concerns about close partnerships between companies in this sector. The investigation not only focuses on the recent hiring of former Inflection employees by Microsoft but also on 'the entering into connected agreements' as part of a merger review. The competition watchdog aims to uncover potential anti-competitive connections or collusions between the two firms. This investigation could have far-reaching implications for the strategy and market position of companies in the emerging AI sector.