European Commission Probes Amazon and Microsoft Cloud Services Under Gatekeeper Rules

The European Commission has launched formal investigations into Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), scrutinizing whether the two should be officially designated as “gatekeepers” in the cloud-computing sector. A third investigation will examine whether the DMA can effectively curb anti-competitive behaviour in this market.

Officials are looking into whether Amazon and Microsoft have too much power over cloud infrastructure, potentially limiting fair competition. The probes will assess if their dominance stifles emerging rivals and locks customers into their ecosystems. The Commission expects to conclude the investigations within the next 12 months. Microsoft has stated it is ready to cooperate fully with the inquiry.

Analysis / Impact:
The investigations signal a major regulatory push to rein in Big Tech’s influence in foundational technology infrastructure. Cloud services have become critical not just for large corporations but for governments, small businesses and startups — making control over this layer strategically important.

For emerging markets like Nigeria and across Africa, the outcome could have significant ripple effects. If the Commission imposes stricter rules or designates Amazon and Microsoft as gatekeepers, it may level the playing field, creating more room for local or regional cloud providers to compete. This could in turn foster greater innovation, reduce costs, and improve access to cloud infrastructure for developing-market companies.

On a global scale, this move reflects how regulators are treating cloud infrastructure not merely as a utility, but as a strategic asset. Big cloud providers may soon face more regulatory constraints that shape how they price services, design contracts and serve customers — especially in markets where “lock-in” and dominance are pronounced.