Meta and Microsoft pull back from Claude as Anthropic transforms from partner into competitor
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Meta and Microsoft are significantly reducing their reliance on Anthropic's Claude AI models as the startup transitions from a partner to a direct competitor. At Microsoft, executives have directed employees to prioritize in-house tools like GitHub Copilot and OpenAI’s models, resulting in a spending cut of more than one-third for the cloud division. Meta has similarly seen its user base for Claude Code halve, driven by both layoffs and the promotion of its own competing products such as Muse Code. These shifts are motivated not only by cost-saving measures but also by strategic concerns over data access and market competition. Meta reportedly sought to restrict Anthropic’s access to its training data while simultaneously developing rival offerings. Meanwhile, Microsoft faces pressure as Claude-based tools increasingly challenge its Office suite with alternatives like Claude Cowork. This move marks a pivotal moment where former enterprise customers are actively distancing themselves from Anthropic’s growing influence.
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