Brussels investigates Amazon and Microsoft cloud services, the consequences could be significant
The European Commission has initiated two market investigations to determine the application of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to the cloud services offered by Amazon and Microsoft. This move signals the EU's continued commitment to regulating the digital market and ensuring fair competition within the tech sector. These investigations could have significant repercussions for the cloud computing landscape in Europe. The focus of the inquiries is to assess whether Amazon and Microsoft's cloud services fall under the DMA's purview. The DMA aims to curb the power of large digital platforms, classifying them as "gatekeepers" if they meet specific criteria related to size and market dominance. If these companies are found to be gatekeepers, they will be subject to stricter rules designed to prevent anti-competitive practices within the cloud market. This investigation primarily affects businesses and organizations that rely on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure for their cloud infrastructure needs. These companies could face changes in how they utilize these services, potentially impacting pricing, data portability, and the interoperability of different cloud platforms. The outcome of these investigations will also help shape the future of digital sovereignty within the EU.
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