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France Competition Watchdog Dismisses Qwant Complaint Against Microsoft

By  |  December 21, 2025

France’s competition authority has thrown out a complaint brought by privacy-oriented search engine Qwant against Microsoft, concluding that the case lacked sufficient proof to move forward. The decision was issued on Nov. 27, 2025, and found that Qwant did not adequately demonstrate that Microsoft holds a dominant position in the relevant search syndication market or that Qwant is economically dependent on the U.S. technology company.

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    The Autorité de la concurrence reviewed allegations that Microsoft Corporation had abused both a dominant market position and a relationship of economic dependence allegedly affecting Qwant. After examining the claims, the regulator determined that the legal thresholds required to substantiate such abuses were not met, according to a statement released alongside the ruling.

    As part of its filing, Qwant had also asked the authority to impose interim measures while the investigation was ongoing. That request was rejected as well, per a statement summarizing the watchdog’s conclusions and procedural findings.

    Related: Google Withdraws EU Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft

    In its published decision dated Nov. 27, the Autorité de la concurrence stated, “The Autorité considers that Qwant failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that Microsoft is in a dominant position in the market described in its complaint or that the conditions for abuse of economic dependence are met.” The authority emphasized that both elements are necessary to proceed with enforcement action under French competition law.

    The outcome closes the case at the national level, at least for now, and underscores the high evidentiary bar companies must clear when alleging dominance or economic dependence. According to a statement from the regulator, the assessment focused strictly on the information and market definitions presented in the complaint, without reaching broader conclusions about Microsoft’s overall position in digital markets.

    Source: PPC