UK CMA opens probe into Microsoft bundling and cloud practices
The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is looking into whether Microsoft is making it tough for other companies by bundling its popular business tools (think Windows, Word, Excel, Teams, and Copilot) all together.
Announced on May 14, the investigation also checks if Microsoft's use of AI and cloud services and cloud market/licensing practices gives it an unfair edge over competitors in the UK.
CMA probes AI connectivity, cloud licensing
The CMA wants to see if rivals can easily connect their own AI tools with Microsoft's software or if the playing field is tilted.
They're also taking another look at how Microsoft handles cloud licensing, a hot topic since both Microsoft and Amazon faced scrutiny for dominating the cloud market.
CMA chief Sarah Cardell says keeping this market open and fair really matters for UK businesses.
Microsoft says it's ready to cooperate as the investigation continues through February 2027.