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The EU plans to classify Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure as DMA gatekeepers, extending Big Tech rules to cloud computing.
The European Commission has proposed designating Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure as “gatekeepers” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), expanding the European Union’s landmark competition rules to the cloud computing sector for the first time.
If confirmed, the designation would require the two cloud providers to comply with a series of obligations intended to promote fair competition. These include restrictions on self-preferencing, improved interoperability with competing services and enhanced data portability to make it easier for customers to switch providers.
The move marks a significant expansion of the DMA, which has so far focused on core digital platform services such as search engines, social media platforms and app stores. Extending the legislation to cloud infrastructure reflects the sector’s growing importance as businesses increasingly rely on cloud computing to support digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
The European Commission’s preliminary findings follow a seven-month investigation into the cloud services market. Regulators cited AWS and Microsoft Azure’s scale, investment levels, entrenched customer bases, high switching costs and integration of AI services as key reasons for the proposed designation.
Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said cloud services have become central to Europe’s economy and are increasingly essential for AI development. She added that ensuring fair, open and competitive cloud markets is important for strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty.
Amazon criticised the preliminary assessment, arguing that it overlooks the range of cloud service providers available to European customers and could discourage investment and innovation. The company also said existing legislation, including the Data Act, already regulates the sector.
Microsoft, meanwhile, expressed concern that the Commission’s approach does not sufficiently account for the growing market position of rival Google Cloud and its AI platform, Gemini. The company argued that failing to address competition across the broader cloud market could create an uneven regulatory environment.
Both Amazon and Microsoft will have the opportunity to respond to the Commission’s preliminary findings before a final decision is issued in the coming months.
If adopted, the decision would represent one of the EU’s most significant regulatory interventions in cloud computing to date, with potential implications for competition, AI infrastructure and digital markets worldwide.
