UK CMA probes business lock-in to Microsoft software ecosystem

The UK's CMA on October 16 proposed giving Microsoft strategic market status in business software, a designation that could bring new competition requirements. The regulator is examining whether firms can choose AI assistants other than Copilot, use rival security tools and get more flexibility with Microsoft licenses. Over 1 million UK organizations and about 20 million people use Microsoft software monthly.

• CMA proposed strategic market status for Microsoft on October 16
• Over 1 million UK organizations use Microsoft software
• About 20 million people use it each month
• Regulator examines choice of AI assistants beyond Copilot