The European Commission (EC) announced on Tuesday that it will examine Microsoft's investment in OpenAI to ensure that it complies with the European Union's Merger Regulation.

This announcement comes as Brussels today launched a public consultation on the state of competition in the virtual worlds and generative artificial intelligence markets.

The Commission, which has already sent out requests for information to a number of technology giants, is looking into the extent to which the introduction of competition legislation could help ensure that these new markets remain competitive.

Virtual worlds and generative AI are developing rapidly", said Margrehte Vestager, the Commissioner responsible for competition policy.

"It is essential that these new markets remain competitive, and that nothing should stand in the way of business growth and the supply of the best and most innovative products to consumers", she added.

The aim of the public consultation is to gather the views of stakeholders, who will have until March 11 to submit their comments.

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced a new long-term partnership with OpenAI, owner of the ChatGPT platform, through a multi-year, multi-billion dollar investment.

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