Nvidia Faces DOJ Subpoena in Expanding Antitrust Probe

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a subpoena to Nvidia as part of its expanding antitrust investigation into the AI giant, according to a Bloomberg News report on Tuesday. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report notes that while the DOJ had previously sent out questionnaires, it has now escalated its inquiry by issuing legally binding requests to Nvidia and other companies.

The investigation centres on concerns that Nvidia may be engaging in practices that hinder customers from switching to alternative suppliers and penalise those who do not exclusively use its AI chips. Last month, it was reported that the DOJ had launched this probe following complaints from competitors accusing Nvidia of abusing its market dominance.

This subpoena arrives at a sensitive moment for AI-focused companies as investors reassess their expectations due to concerns over the slow returns on substantial investments in AI technology. Nvidia’s recent quarterly forecast, which did not meet investor expectations, has further tempered the enthusiasm surrounding AI.