Microsoft’s Bing, Edge, and Advertising Services Exempted from Europe’s Digital Markets Act

Microsoft’s search engine Bing, web browser Edge, and advertising services are reportedly set to escape the regulatory scrutiny of Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to sources cited by Bloomberg News on Tuesday.

European watchdogs, after an extensive five-month-long investigation into the market, have concluded that these Microsoft products are not dominant enough to warrant regulation under the DMA. The investigation is slated to conclude in February, providing a welcome relief for the tech giant amidst recent concerns raised by EU antitrust regulators, reported Reuters.

The exemption for Bing, Edge, and advertising services from the DMA comes in the wake of a statement from EU antitrust regulators suggesting that Microsoft’s financial backing for OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, may be subject to European Union merger rules. However, the latest decision indicates a different regulatory stance for various Microsoft offerings.

Despite escaping the regulatory spotlight for Bing, Edge, and advertising services, Microsoft is expected to announce measures aimed at complying with the DMA regulations. The DMA primarily targets products such as the Windows operating system and the professional network platform, LinkedIn.

Read more: Microsoft and Google Accept EU Gatekeeper Status without Challenge

Set to take effect by March 7, the Digital Markets Act imposes obligations on major tech companies to treat their own services and products on an equal footing with those of their competitors. This move aims to foster fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices in the digital market space.

Microsoft, a key player in the tech industry, is anticipated to take proactive steps to align with the DMA requirements. While certain products like Bing and Edge may be exempt, the company is expected to navigate the regulatory landscape carefully, ensuring compliance with the broader regulatory framework set by the European Union.

Source: Reuters