Online reports that according to people familiar with the matter, the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Google (GOOG.O) violated antitrust laws because the company agreed to use artificial intelligence technology from a popular chat robot manufacturer. People familiar with the matter said antitrust enforcement agencies have recently told Google that they are reviewing whether the transaction structure it has built with Character.AI is designed to circumvent formal government merger review. Under a deal reached last year, the founder of the chatbot maker joined Google, which also received a non-exclusive technology license. A Google spokesperson said in an emailed statement,"We are always happy to respond to regulatory inquiries. Character. The addition of AI talent is exciting, but Google does not hold a stake in it and the company remains independent." Even if the transaction does not require formal review, the Justice Department still has the authority to investigate whether it constitutes anti-competitive conduct. It is reported that the investigation is currently in its early stages and has not yet brought any allegations of misconduct against Google, and enforcement action may not be taken in the end.