Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2025-11-19 16:05Core Points - The European Union (EU) has intensified its regulatory scrutiny of major US tech companies, launching three independent investigations into Amazon and Microsoft's cloud computing businesses to assess their potential classification under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) [1][2] - The investigations will evaluate whether Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure should be designated as "gatekeepers" under the DMA framework, despite not currently meeting the specified quantitative thresholds [1][2] - The DMA requires companies providing core platform services to have over 45 million monthly active users and a market capitalization exceeding €75 billion to be classified as "gatekeepers" [1][2] Investigation Details - Two of the investigations will focus on AWS and Azure's eligibility for "gatekeeper" status, while the third will assess whether the existing DMA framework is sufficient to address anti-competitive behavior in the European cloud computing sector [1][2] - Companies found in violation of the DMA could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue [1] Regulatory Standards - A notable aspect of the EU's investigation is the possibility of designating companies as "gatekeepers" even if they do not meet the established quantitative standards [2] - The criteria for "gatekeeper" designation include a market capitalization of at least €75 billion over the past three years, annual revenue exceeding €7.5 billion in the EU, and a minimum of 45 million monthly active users [2] Corporate Responses - AWS representatives expressed confidence that the EU will conclude that stricter regulations are unnecessary, citing the vibrant and innovative nature of the cloud computing industry [3] - Microsoft stated its readiness to cooperate with the investigation, acknowledging that if AWS and Azure are deemed "important gateways," they may be added to the core platform services list [3] - If designated as "gatekeepers," both companies would need to comply with DMA rules within six months, which could impose new obligations such as interoperability requirements and preferential treatment of their own products [3] Strategic Implications - The EU's heightened regulatory focus on the cloud computing market underscores its commitment to controlling digital infrastructure, especially as artificial intelligence and digital transformation accelerate [3] - The outcomes of these investigations are expected to significantly impact the European business strategies of global tech giants [3]