UK Competition Watchdog Probes Microsoft Over Copilot Bundling And Price Hikes In Microsoft 365 Renewals
The UK Competition and Markets Authority is investigating whether Microsoft misled customers about price increases on Microsoft 365 subscriptions after bundling its Copilot AI tool into the software suite. Bloomberg reported the watchdog's focus on renewal practices, specifically examining how the price adjustment was communicated to existing subscribers.
The probe will determine if the automatic addition of the AI product constitutes a transparent pricing update or a hidden cost increase. The competition authority will review the renewal process to determine if consumer protection laws were breached.
From the sources (3 posts)
@businessThe UK’s consumer and antitrust watchdog is investigating whether Microsoft misled customers into paying more for its productivity tools software subscriptions after adding its Copilot AI product to the suite.
@theregisterMicrosoft faces competition probe over Copilot subscription price hike
@techmemeThe UK CMA launches an investigation into Microsoft over potential consumer law breaches involving Microsoft 365 subscription renewals that added Copilot (@upmanyutrivedi / Bloomberg) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)