According to a report by Bloomberg News on Friday, Microsoft Corp. has issued a warning to rival search engines that use its Bing search index as a source for their own artificial intelligence chat products.
The company claims that this practice violates the terms of their contract and may result in losing access to its Bing search index. The Bing search index is a map of the Internet that can be scanned in real time.
Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, said in February that it was enhancing its Bing search engine and Edge Web browser with artificial intelligence, showing its intention to regain the lead in consumer technology markets where it has lagged behind.
The improved Bing search engine was launched to users late last month.
“We’ve been in touch with partners who are out of compliance as we continue to consistently enforce our terms across the board,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Reuters, adding that the company will continue to work with them directly and provide information needed to find a way forward.