UK Watchdog Proposes New Oversight of Microsoft Business Software
The CMA says it will decide by February whether to give Microsoft strategic market status, which could enable closer scrutiny of its software practices.
Key takeaways
- The CMA proposed giving Microsoft strategic market status for business software.
- The regulator will make a final decision by February.
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority proposed designating Microsoft with strategic market status in business software, a step that could allow it to intervene in the company’s practices. The watchdog said it will make a final decision by February.
The CMA said barriers to switching providers strengthen Microsoft’s position and limit customer choice. Its investigation covers software used by around 20 million people monthly in the UK.
The regulator is also assessing whether Microsoft’s bundling of security products limits choice, whether customers can choose rival AI tools, and how licensing affects cloud options. Microsoft said it does not share the CMA’s proposed decision, adding that its products, including Copilot, are open and interoperable.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
