The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently initiated an investigation into possible antitrust violations by Nvidia, the chipmaker tailored to artificial intelligence (AI) tasks that has become the dominant player in AI chipmaking. In a new insight, Technology and Innovation Policy Analyst Angela Luna discusses the antitrust concerns against Nvidia and considers the importance of congressional oversight for such investigations.

Key points:

• The DOJ sent subpoenas to Nvidia after rivals raised concerns suggesting that Nvidia promotes exclusive use of its chips and prioritizes customers that can immediately use its products.
• There are also concerns with the company’s recent acquisitions, particularly the purchase of AI management firm RunAI, holding that such market activity could foreclose competition from potential rivals.
• As federal agencies begin to more carefully scrutinize competition concerns in AI markets, Congress should undertake appropriate oversight to ensure they stay focused on practices that harm competition – such as the ability to control prices and tie-in products – rather than simply targeting firms due to their size.

Read the analysis