Synopsis
Italy's antitrust watchdog has launched a probe into Microsoft for alleged unfair practices concerning its Microsoft 365 subscription price increase. The regulator claims consumers weren't properly notified about the integration of AI tools like Copilot and Designer. Customers were automatically shifted to pricier plans without sufficient information to make informed renewal decisions, potentially limiting their choices.Listen to this article in summarized format
The regulator said the Windows maker did not adequately inform consumers that its Microsoft 365 service had been integrated with artificial intelligence tools Copilot and Designer.
Consumers were automatically moved to a more expensive subscription plan unless they actively opted out, while receiving insufficient information to decide whether to renew their contracts, the watchdog added in its statement.
It added that the tech giant's practice could be considered aggressive because it unduly limited consumers' freedom of choice.
Microsoft was not immediately available for comment.
