EU preliminarily moves to classify Amazon and Microsoft cloud services under Digital Markets Act

What does the EU’s preliminary decision do?

It signals that the European Commission believes AWS and Azure should be treated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act, which would place their cloud services under the DMA’s competition rules if the decision is finalized infobae,Reuters,CNA.

Why are AWS and Azure being considered for this designation?

The Commission said the two services are the largest cloud providers in the EU and pointed to their turnover, operational capacity and investment levels relative to competitors; some reports also say regulators see AI demand as reinforcing their market position infobae,Bloomberg Business,N-tv.

What happens next for Amazon and Microsoft?

The companies can respond to the Commission’s preliminary findings and submit written arguments. If the EU confirms the designation afterward, AWS and Azure would have six months to comply with DMA requirements infobae,EL PAÍS,ANSA.it.