Google’s partnership with AI firm Anthropic has avoided further scrutiny after the UK antitrust watchdog concluded it doesn’t qualify for a full blown investigation under merger rules.  Google hasn’t gained “material influence” over Anthropic as a result of the deal,

Google has not commented directly on the Anthropic provision but criticised the overall proposal in a blog post.

Google needs Anthropic, or startups like it, to maintain an edge over its AI-hungry rivals, including Microsoft.

Alphabet Inc.’s Google would be forced to unwind its partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic if a federal judge accepts the US Justice Department’s proposal to resolve a landmark antitrust case over online search.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it wouldn’t open an in-depth investigation into Alphabet-owned Google’s investment in the artificial-intelligence startup.