EU DMA cloud investigations (AWS and Azure)

Cloud computing looks like a utility: rent servers, databases, and AI chips instead of owning a data centre. In practice, two US firms—Amazon and Microsoft—hold most of the European market, with Google a distant third.

Customers complain that moving data out is costly, that software licences are cheaper on the incumbent’s own cloud, and that marketplaces steer buyers toward the host’s tools.

The Digital Markets Act was written mainly for consumer platforms. Applying it to infrastructure clouds is a new chapter: the legal question is whether AWS and Azure are gatekeepers that businesses cannot reasonably avoid.

In November 2025 the Commission opened formal DMA investigations. That is not a verdict. It means staff can demand internal documents and, later, issue charges if they believe duties were breached.

Amazon and Microsoft say the cloud market is competitive, that customers multi-home, and that fees reflect real network and security costs. They also point to the Data Act as the proper switching statute.

Independent European software vendors hope DMA interoperability and non-discrimination duties will make it easier to sell on AWS and Azure without being undercut by the host’s own products.

Until a decision, treat “EU breaks up the cloud” headlines as speculation. The live fact is an opened probe.

Cloud lock-in raises costs for hospitals, banks, startups, and public agencies.

It tests whether the DMA reaches infrastructure, not only phones and social apps.

Licensing fights (especially Microsoft software on rival clouds) are a core SME complaint.

A finding could force cheaper egress and fairer marketplace ranking.

US–EU digital tension now includes the plumbing of the internet, not only consumer apps.

AWS and Azure may meet DMA gatekeeper criteria for cloud computing services.

Egress fees, technical formats, and contractual terms hinder switching.

Licensing and marketplace design self-preference the host’s software.

Rivals and customers need interoperability and non-discrimination duties that actually work.

Amazon and Microsoft say customers choose them on price and features and can multi-cloud.

They argue Data Act switching rules already address lock-in.

They warn heavy DMA duties could raise security costs and slow EU cloud investment.

They maintain market shares fluctuate and Google and others constrain prices.

If you run a business on AWS or Azure, watch for cheaper exit paths and clearer licence terms—those would follow a later decision, not the opening of the file.

Consumers will not see a new app; this is about the servers behind the apps.

No fine or order exists yet—November 2025 is the start date.

Public-sector cloud tenders in the EU may start asking vendors about DMA exposure.