Alternative dispute resolution

OpenAI considers antitrust action against Microsoft over AI hosting control

OpenAI reportedly tries to reduce Microsoft’s exclusive control over hosting its AI models, signalling growing friction between the two companies.

According to the Wall Street Journal, OpenAI leadership has considered filing an antitrust complaint against Microsoft, alleging anti-competitive behaviour in their ongoing collaboration. The move could trigger federal regulatory scrutiny.

The tension comes amid ongoing talks over OpenAI’s corporate restructuring. A report by The Information suggests that OpenAI is negotiating to grant Microsoft a 33% stake in its reorganized for-profit unit. In exchange, Microsoft would give up rights to future profits.

OpenAI also wants to revise its existing contract with Microsoft, particularly clauses that grant exclusive Azure hosting rights. The company reportedly aims to exclude its planned $3 billion acquisition of AI startup Windsurf from the agreement, which otherwise gives Microsoft access to OpenAI’s intellectual property.

This developing rift could reshape one of the most influential alliances in AI. Microsoft has invested heavily in OpenAI since 2019 and integrates its models into Microsoft 365 Copilot and Azure services. However, both firms are diversifying.

OpenAI is turning to Google Cloud and Oracle for additional computing power, while Microsoft has begun integrating alternative AI models into its products.

Industry experts warn that regulatory scrutiny or contract changes could impact enterprise customers relying on tightly integrated AI solutions, particularly in sectors like healthcare and finance. Companies may face service disruptions, higher costs, or compatibility challenges if major players shift strategy or infrastructure.

Analysts suggest that the era of single-model reliance may be ending. As innovation from rivals like DeepSeek accelerates, enterprises and cloud providers are moving toward multi-model support, aiming for modular, scalable, and use-case-specific AI deployments.

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ChatGPT adds meeting recording and cloud access

OpenAI has launched new features for ChatGPT that allow it to record meetings, transcribe conversations, and pull information directly from cloud platforms like Google Drive and SharePoint.

Instead of relying on typed input alone, users can now speak to ChatGPT, which records audio, creates editable summaries, and helps generate follow-up content such as emails or project outlines.

‘Record’ is currently available to Team users via the macOS app and will soon expand to Enterprise and Edu accounts.

The recording tool automatically deletes the audio after transcription and applies existing workspace data rules, ensuring recordings are not used for training.

Instead of leaving notes scattered across different platforms, users gain a structured and searchable history of conversations, voice notes, or brainstorming sessions, which ChatGPT can recall and apply during future interactions.

At the same time, OpenAI has introduced new connectors for business users that let ChatGPT access files from cloud services like Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and others.

These connectors allow ChatGPT to search and summarise information from internal documents, rather than depending only on web search or user uploads. The update also includes beta support for Deep Research agents that can work with tools like GitHub and HubSpot.

OpenAI has embraced the Model Context Protocol, an open standard allowing organisations to build their own custom connectors for proprietary tools.

Rather than serving purely as a general-purpose chatbot, ChatGPT is evolving into a workplace assistant capable of tapping into and understanding a company’s complete knowledge base.

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The Vatican’s peace test

In his blog post ‘Can the Vatican mediate peace today?’, Jovan Kurbalija explores the renewed possibility of the Holy See stepping in as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. The idea, sparked by a proposal from former US President Donald Trump after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, positions the Vatican, particularly Pope Leo XIV, as a neutral ground for ceasefire negotiations.

While no concrete agreement has emerged, the Vatican’s potential role draws on its historic reputation for diplomacy rooted not in power, but in moral persuasion and enduring principles. The Holy See’s legacy as a discreet but effective mediator is long established, from its influence during the Cuban Missile Crisis to its guiding hand in colonial negotiations in the 19th century.

Pope Leo XIV, who previously denounced Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, now demonstrates a core Vatican strength: the ability to uphold moral clarity while remaining open to dialogue. This nuanced approach, increasingly rare in today’s polarised geopolitics, embodies the Vatican’s distinctive role on the global stage.

Supporting this potential initiative is the Community of Sant’Egidio, a lay Catholic association known for mediating conflicts in Mozambique, Guatemala, and the Central African Republic. Their quiet, faith-rooted diplomacy has repeatedly succeeded where formal channels have failed, reinforcing the Church’s potential impact in resolving even deeply entrenched conflicts.

In an age dominated by digital noise and political posturing, the Vatican’s patient, values-driven approach may offer a much-needed alternative. If the talks move forward, they will test the relevance of religious diplomacy in the 21st century and challenge modern assumptions about where genuine peacebuilding can begin.

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AI tool improves accuracy in detecting heart disease

A team of researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York has successfully calibrated an AI tool to more accurately assess the likelihood of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in patients.

By assigning specific probability scores, the AI model now offers clearer guidance to clinicians and patients regarding disease risk.

HCM, a thickening of the heart muscle that affects around one in 200 people globally, can lead to serious complications such as heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

The Viz HCM algorithm, already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, previously provided vague classifications like ‘suspected HCM.’ Thanks to model calibration, clinicians can now give patients more precise estimates—for instance, a 60% probability of having the condition.

Researchers ran the algorithm on nearly 71,000 patients who had undergone electrocardiograms between March 2023 and January 2024. Out of these, 1,522 were flagged by the AI, with further review of medical records and imaging confirming diagnoses.

The results validated that the newly calibrated probabilities closely reflected real-world outcomes, improving the tool’s accuracy and practical utility.

Experts say this advancement enhances clinical workflows by helping doctors prioritise patients based on their actual risk levels.

Beyond technological innovation, the study marks a step forward in integrating AI responsibly into everyday clinical practice—making healthcare more personalised, interpretable, and effective.

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US-India trade negotiations intensify over tariff disputes

India is prepared to lower tariffs on over half of US imports worth $23 billion in a bid to ease trade tensions and prevent harsh reciprocal tariffs from Washington.

With US President Donald Trump set to impose new worldwide tariffs from 2 April, Indian officials fear the move could impact 87% of the country’s exports to the United States, prompting urgent negotiations between the two nations.

Trade talks are scheduled to begin this week, led by US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch.

While India is willing to make significant tariff cuts on a wide range of goods, government sources indicate that the concessions will depend on securing relief from US duties.

Sensitive items such as meat, wheat, maize, and dairy products remain off the table, but reductions may be possible for almonds, pistachios, and certain grains. India is also pushing for a phased reduction of its automobile tariffs, which currently exceed 100%.

Despite efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen ties with Washington, Trump has repeatedly criticised India’s tariff policies, labelling the country a ‘tariff abuser.’

The Modi administration is weighing broader tariff reforms but faces domestic political challenges in implementing sweeping reductions. Experts suggest that while external pressure from the US might drive some changes, major across-the-board cuts remain unlikely in the short term.

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Lawsuit claims Google favoured white and Asian employees in pay and promotions

Google has agreed to pay $28 million (€25.6 million) to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it favoured white and Asian employees by offering them higher pay and better career progression.

The case, which covered at least 6,632 employees in California between 2018 and 2024, won preliminary approval from a Santa Clara county judge last week.

The lawsuit was led by Ana Cantu, a former Google employee who claimed the company placed white and Asian workers in higher job levels while restricting promotions and pay increases for others.

Cantu, who worked in Google’s people operations and cloud departments for seven years, alleged she was denied career advancement despite performing well. She argued that Google’s practices violated the California Equal Pay Act.

A Google spokesperson confirmed the settlement but maintained that the company had not engaged in discriminatory treatment. A final hearing is scheduled for September, where the court will decide whether to grant full approval of the settlement.

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China says US curbs will harm global semiconductor industry

China has warned that the United States‘ efforts to pressure other nations into targeting its semiconductor industry will ultimately backfire.

During a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticised Washington’s approach, arguing that it would disrupt the global semiconductor supply chain and hinder industry development worldwide.

The comments came in response to reports that the White House plans to tighten restrictions on China’s access to advanced chip technologies.

Lin Jian emphasised that such actions not only undermine fair competition but also threaten the stability of the global technology market.

Tensions between the US and China over semiconductor access have escalated in recent years, with Washington implementing export controls and encouraging its allies to adopt similar measures.

Beijing has consistently opposed these restrictions, calling them politically motivated attempts to curb China’s technological progress.

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Google settles tax dispute in Italy for 326 million euros

Milan prosecutors have announced plans to drop a case against Google’s European division after the company agreed to settle a tax dispute by paying 326 million euros (£277 million). The settlement covers the period from 2015 to 2019, including penalties, sanctions, and interest.

The tax dispute stemmed from allegations that Google had failed to file and pay taxes on revenue generated in Italy, based on the digital infrastructure it operates within the country. This comes after the company settled a previous tax case with Italian authorities in 2017 by paying 306 million euros, which acknowledged Google’s permanent presence in Italy.

In 2023, Italy had requested that Google pay 1 billion euros in unpaid taxes and penalties. However, with this latest settlement, the case against the tech giant appears to be resolved for now.

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Motorola loses appeal over UK emergency services contract

Motorola has been denied permission to appeal against the UK competition regulator’s ruling that it was making excessive profits from its contract to provide communications for Britain’s emergency services. The Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed the company’s application, upholding the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) decision to impose a price cap on Motorola’s Airwave network.

The CMA introduced the cap in July 2023, reducing the cost of the Airwave service to reflect a competitive market, cutting an estimated £200 million in annual charges. Motorola had previously challenged the regulator’s findings at a tribunal but was unsuccessful. CMA Executive Director George Lusty welcomed the court’s decision, stating it ensures fair pricing for emergency services and marks the end of the legal dispute.

A Motorola spokesperson defended the company’s role, emphasising that Airwave remains essential for UK public safety communications. Despite disagreeing with the CMA’s ruling, Motorola said it is focused on continuing to provide high-quality emergency communication services.

Irish regulator wants answers from DeepSeek on data practices

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has asked Chinese AI company DeepSeek to clarify how it processes the personal data of Irish users. The request comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with European data protection laws.

Unlike major US tech firms that base their EU operations in Ireland, DeepSeek has not designated the country as its European headquarters. This means the company does not fall under the same oversight framework as other large technology firms, prompting the regulator to seek direct answers on its data handling practices.

The DPC’s inquiry highlights the increasing scrutiny of foreign tech companies operating in Europe, especially those dealing with sensitive user information. As concerns over privacy and data security continue to grow, regulators are expected to tighten enforcement to ensure adherence to strict EU data protection laws.