Microsoft faces mega fine after EU takes issue with bundling of Teams and Office

2 comments

1. “If confirmed, the preliminary findings of an EU investigation could lead

   to a fine of up to 10% of Microsoft’s global revenue, which totaled $211 billion in its latest financial year.

   The announcement comes a day after EU regulators accused Apple (AAPL) of breaching the bloc’s landmark Digital Markets Act, a groundbreaking law that forced big changes on dominant tech platforms after it came into force in March. Apple, which has denied wrongdoing, also faces a huge fine if the charges are confirmed.

   The actions by the EU could result in changes to the way hundreds of millions of Europeans access services on some of the world’s biggest digital platforms,

   reflecting a big push by European lawmakers to rein in the power of Big Tech.

   Preserving competition for remote communication and collaboration tools is essential as it also fosters innovation on these markets.

   If confirmed, Microsoft’s conduct would be illegal under our competition rules,” she added.

   In a statement, Microsoft President Brad Smith said: “Having unbundled Teams and taken initial interoperability steps, we appreciate the additional clarity provided today and will work to find solutions to address the Commission’s remaining concerns.”

   Salesforce, meanwhile, welcomed the Commission’s findings, calling its actions “a win for customer choice and an affirmation that Microsoft practices with Teams have harmed competition.”

2. These suits just reinforce that the EU is bitter that there are no homegrown tech giants for them to tax, so they create these stupid cases as a way to extort money from the Americans.

   The US doesn’t do this with European firms. Maybe we should.