Google, Microsoft and Amazon face UK probe over dominance in cloud computing

The review will form part of a wider digital strategy push by Ofcom

The British media regulator Ofcom is investigating Google, Microsoft, and Amazon‘s tight grip on the cloud computing industry. The watchdog will conduct a study to examine the position of firms offering public cloud infrastructure and whether they are posing any barriers to competition. The investigation will focus on the so-called “hyperscalers” like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services, which let businesses access computing power and data storage from remote servers, rather than host it on their own private infrastructure. Further action may be taken by the regulator if it finds the companies are indulging in unhealthy competition.

Selina Chadha, Ofcom’s director of connectivity, said the regulator hadn’t yet decided on whether the cloud giants are engaged in anticompetitive behavior. The regulator will conclude its review and publish a final report including any concerns and proposed recommendations within 12 months. The review will form part of a wider digital strategy push by Ofcom, which regulates the broadcasting and telecommunications industries in the U.K. It also plans to investigate other digital markets, including virtual assistants like Apple’s FaceTime, Zoom and Amazon’s Alexa have impacted traditional calling and messaging, as well as the competitive landscape among digital assistants, connected TVs, and smart speakers.