May 14, 2024 11:51:00

The EU plans to file new antitrust charges against Microsoft, citing concerns that Microsoft Teams could undermine competitors

Microsoft has faced criticism from the European Commission (EC) for '

bringing together Office and Teams in violation of antitrust laws ,' and will exclude Teams from some Office plans worldwide in April 2024. However, it has been reported that the EC plans to file new antitrust charges against Microsoft due to concerns that the company is 'hindering competition in the video conferencing service market.'

Microsoft sets face-to-face EU competition charges over Teams software
https://www.ft.com/content/ce8a6602-dece-4313-b1a5-4e6f3354f99d

EC says Microsoft Teams integration in Office suite is insufficient for fair market - MSPoweruser

https://mspoweruser.com/ec-sees-microsoft-teams-integration-in-office-suite-as-insufficient-for-fair-market/

Report: Microsoft to face antitrust case over Teams | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/05/report-microsoft-to-face-antitrust-case-over-teams/

Microsoft's video conferencing app, Teams, has long been sold bundled with Office, and after being pointed out by competitor Slack, the EC began an antitrust investigation into Microsoft in July 2023.

In response to this, Microsoft will stop selling Office and Teams together in the European Economic Area (EAA) and Switzerland in August 2023. In April 2024, the separation of Office and Teams will be expanded worldwide.

Microsoft cuts Office prices worldwide and stops Teams bundled sales - GIGAZINE

However, EC officials believe that the measures taken by Microsoft are insufficient to promote greater market fairness. The EC is concerned that Microsoft is using its own software to make Teams more compatible with competitors' products, and that it is making it more difficult for existing Teams users to switch to other software.

According to the people, charges against Microsoft could be filed in the coming weeks, and it has been reported that Microsoft's competitors and the EC held meetings in May 2024 to consider filing charges against Microsoft.

If Microsoft is found to be in violation of EU antitrust laws, EU regulators could fine the company up to 10% of its annual global revenue. Microsoft said it 'continues to engage with the EC, listen to market concerns, and continue to seek practical solutions that benefit both European customers and developers.'

The EC has declined to comment on the report.