EU Designated Microsoft and Amazon Under Digital Markets Act
The European Union has moved to apply its strict regulatory framework to Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Data Centers
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European Union regulators have determined that Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services meet the specific requirements for designation under the Digital Markets Act. This regulatory action follows a finalized investigation into the cloud computing giants.
Why it matters
Designation subjects these major cloud providers to the European Union's comprehensive rulebook for Big Tech, which aims to ensure fair competition. This move marks a significant expansion of the bloc's regulatory oversight into cloud infrastructure.
The Digital Markets Act functions as a strict rulebook for Big Tech, now applying its regulatory framework to the cloud infrastructure capabilities of both Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.
The players
Microsoft Azure
This cloud computing platform provides a wide range of services including computing, analytics, storage, and networking for enterprises.
Amazon Web Services
This subsidiary of Amazon provides on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments.
European Union
This political and economic union of 27 member states operates a single market that enforces regulations on companies doing business in Europe.
The details
Regulators concluded a thorough investigation into the two firms, determining that their market dominance and operational reach necessitate their inclusion under the Digital Markets Act. The European Union is now formally applying its competition rules to govern these cloud service providers.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: Official report published on the EU investigation into Microsoft and Amazon.
The Tech Race
This development follows the precedent set by the Digital Markets Act, which serves as the primary mechanism for regulating Big Tech's influence on the European digital economy. By including cloud providers, the European Union is expanding its regulatory reach beyond social media and search engines into the core infrastructure of the web.
While the designation primarily affects corporate infrastructure, users may eventually see changes in cloud service interoperability and pricing structures. These regulations are designed to simplify data portability and service switching for businesses and developers relying on these platforms.
The takeaway
The move signals a broadening of European regulatory scope from consumer-facing apps to foundational cloud architecture. Companies relying on these cloud services should prepare for potential operational shifts as compliance requirements are finalized.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest regulatory trends in Data Centers.
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