(MENAFN) Microsoft has issued a warning to rival search engines, stating that it will cut off access to its internet-search data if they continue to use it as the basis for their own artificial intelligence chat products. Bloomberg News 1 reported that Microsoft has informed at least two customers that using its Bing search index, a map of the internet that can be scanned in real time, to feed their AI chat tools violates the terms of their contract. If the companies do not comply, Microsoft may terminate their licenses providing access to its search index.
According to a Microsoft spokesperson who spoke with Reuters, “We’ve been in touch with partners who are out of compliance as we continue to consistently enforce our terms across the board.” The spokesperson added that the company will continue to work with the partners directly and provide information needed to find a path forward.
This move by Microsoft comes after the company announced in February that it was revamping its Bing search engine and Edge Web browser with artificial intelligence, signaling its ambition to retake the lead in consumer technology markets where it has fallen behind. The upgraded Bing search engine was rolled out to users late last month.
The threat to cut access to the Bing search index is not the first time that Microsoft has taken action to protect its intellectual property. In 2019, the company filed a lawsuit against Foxconn Technology Group, Pegatron Corp., and Wistron Corp. for allegedly using its patents without permission in their Android and Chrome devices. The lawsuit was part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to defend its intellectual property and generate revenue from licensing its patents.
In the current case, Microsoft’s concern is that the use of its search index data as the basis for rival AI chat tools could potentially give those tools an unfair advantage in the market. This could pose a threat to Microsoft’s own AI chat products, which it is currently developing as part of its broader AI strategy.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to cut off access to its Bing search index for rival AI chat tools is a significant move that reflects the company’s determination to protect its intellectual property and maintain its competitive edge in the AI market. It remains to be seen how the affected companies will respond to the warning and whether Microsoft will ultimately follow through on its threat to terminate their licenses.
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