Big Tech Under Scrutiny: EU's Landmark Probe into Cloud Giants

The European Commission has launched three investigations into Amazon and Microsoft's cloud services under the Digital Markets Act, aiming to curb Big Tech's power. The probes will decide if they're gatekeepers and assess if current regulations adequately prevent anti-competitive behaviors, all within a 12-month deadline.

The European Commission has taken decisive action by launching three market investigations targeting cloud computing services provided by tech giants Amazon and Microsoft. This move aligns with the Digital Markets Act's mission to balance industry power and foster fair competition among smaller cloud service providers.

Amazon Web Services, as the leading global cloud provider, along with Microsoft's Azure, it faces scrutiny alongside Google Cloud. Amid these probes, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concerns over potential biases in EU regulations against American tech companies, raising speculation about the European watchdog's stance on Big Tech.

The investigations, spearheaded by EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera, aim to evaluate the need for regulatory updates in the dynamic cloud sector. If designated as gatekeepers, Amazon and Microsoft must ensure service interoperability with competitors, or face hefty fines for any breaches, as outlined by the DMA's stringent rules. The conclusion of this investigation is anticipated within a year.

(With inputs from agencies.)