Alphabet’s Google withdrew a European Union antitrust complaint against Microsoft regarding its Azure cloud services after EU competition authorities launched an investigation into the company under new technology regulations.
Google stated that the withdrawal follows the European Commission opening investigations into whether Microsoft’s Azure and Amazon Web Services must comply with the Digital Markets Act, which regulates the digital economy in Europe.
In a blog post, Giorgia Abeltino, head of government affairs and public policy for Google Cloud Europe, stated, “We filed our antitrust complaint with the European Commission to give voice to our customers and partners about the issue of anticompetitive cloud licensing practices.”
“Today, we are withdrawing it (Microsoft complaint) in light of the recent announcement that the EC will assess problematic practices affecting the cloud sector under a separate process.We continue to work with policymakers, customers, and regulators across the EU, the UK, and elsewhere to advocate for choice and openness in the cloud market.”
A spokesperson for the commission said, “We will continue to closely [monitor] the cloud sector under antitrust tools with a view to ensuring that all European consumers and businesses can reap the benefits of the development of cloud.”
The probes, expected to be finished in a year, could result in both services being designated as gatekeepers under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, following a list of rules designed to open markets to competitors and give consumers more options.
Google initially filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft in 2024.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
