EU investigates Google’s complaint against Microsoft’s cloud licensing practices

Google has filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft with the European Commission, alleging unfair practices in its cloud licensing system. The complaint specifically targets Microsoft’s Azure platform, claiming it restricts European customers from using competitors’ cloud systems. Google argues that Microsoft’s platform locks customers in through the Windows server, with financial penalties and obstacles to using other cloud providers. This is not the first time Microsoft has faced antitrust allegations in the cloud market, with a previous complaint by a group backed by Amazon being resolved with a €22m deal. The “Big Three” of cloud infrastructure – Amazon, Microsoft, and Google – are engaged in a fierce competition for market dominance. Microsoft is also under scrutiny from the European Commission for its communication and collaboration product, Teams. If proven to hold a dominant position, Microsoft could face a fine of up to 10% of its annual revenue. The article will be updated with reactions from the European Commission and Microsoft as the story develops.

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