OpenAI and Microsoft: a worrying clause

Published: 2025-06-26 09:52:41 ET MSFT

Published on 06/26/2025 at 09:52

By Eloi Suinot

It is perhaps the most iconic partnership in the history of artificial intelligence. And yet it is faltering. The fault lies with a key clause in their agreement, linked to GAI.

The acronym refers to General Artificial Intelligence, an AI capable of surpassing humans in all areas, with the potential to acquire all human knowledge and the ability to learn on its own, or even create other, even more powerful AIs.

This is how Ilya Sutskever, co-founder of OpenAI, described it during a TED talk. And this is the scenario that Microsoft fears.

An explosive clause

The agreement between OpenAI and Microsoft stipulates that if a GAI is developed, OpenAI retains the power to decide whether Microsoft will have access to it. This is a provision that the Redmond tech giant wants to remove. But, according to a recent report, OpenAI is opposed to this.

How could such a clause have been signed? Did Microsoft's lawyers miss it? Unlikely. Officially, the clause is intended to prevent malicious use of GAI by Microsoft. But as this technology becomes more plausible, Microsoft wants to redefine the terms.

Tense dialogue

Discussions between both partners are continuing, although the tone is hardening. According to the Financial Times, Microsoft is threatening to suspend negotiations if no common ground is found on sensitive issues, such as its share in OpenAI in the event of an IPO.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly considering denouncing its ally's anti-competitive practices.

A story already covered in our columns: The future partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI hangs in the balance.

Is a breakup on the cards?

The relationship has been fragile for several years. This comes as no real surprise, as it is difficult to be both partners and competitors. The New York Times had already revealed the existence of this controversial clause and the first signs of tension last October.

If the divorce goes ahead, it is likely to cause a stir.

Eloi Suinot