In a move that could potentially lead to an investigation, the European Union is contemplating whether to review Microsoft's investment in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. This follows the recent announcement by the United Kingdom expressing concerns over the impact of this technology partnership on competition in the market.

The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, made this disclosure on Tuesday, disclosing that they are seeking input from interested parties to evaluate the level of competition in the realm of virtual worlds and generative artificial intelligence. The Commission is also seeking feedback on how competition law can ensure that these emerging markets remain competitive.

If the European Union decides to launch a review, the investigation will be conducted under the bloc's merger regulations, aimed at scrutinizing potential mergers and acquisitions to ensure they do not harm market competition. The collaboration between Microsoft and OpenAI, which has raised several eyebrows, would be evaluated to determine whether it violates these regulations.

This development comes as the European Union takes a closer look at the growing influence of technology companies and their impact on the market. With the rise of virtual worlds and generative AI, regulators are keen to ensure competition and innovation are not stifled by dominant players in the industry.

The European Commission's call for input from interested parties indicates its commitment to a thorough assessment of potential antitrust issues in this space. It seeks to gather insights and perspectives from industry experts and stakeholders to effectively evaluate the competitive landscape in the realm of virtual worlds and generative AI.

It remains to be seen whether the European Union will proceed with a formal probe into Microsoft's investment in OpenAI. However, this move highlights the EU's dedication to safeguarding fair competition and fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving technology sector.

As the deadline for submitting feedback approaches, industry players and observers eagerly anticipate the outcome of this evaluation and its potential impact on the future of virtual worlds and generative AI.