Italy’s antitrust authority has opened an investigation into Microsoft over alleged unfair commercial practices related to a Microsoft 365 subscription price increase.
The regulator announced the investigation on Friday, raising concerns about how Microsoft introduced new artificial intelligence features and communicated the resulting changes to customers.
Microsoft 365 Added AI Features
According to the Italian watchdog, Microsoft did not clearly inform consumers that it had integrated its Copilot and Designer AI tools into Microsoft 365.
The addition of these features was linked to a more expensive subscription plan.
However, the regulator believes customers did not receive enough information about the changes or their available subscription options.
Customers Automatically Moved to Costlier Plan
Microsoft allegedly transferred consumers to the more expensive Microsoft 365 plan automatically.
Customers who did not want the upgraded subscription had to actively opt out of the change.
The antitrust authority said users may not have received sufficient information to make an informed decision about whether to renew their contracts.
Regulator Questions Consumer Choice
The Italian watchdog said Microsoft’s approach could qualify as an aggressive commercial practice.
According to the regulator, automatically moving customers to a higher-priced plan may have unfairly restricted their freedom of choice.
The investigation will examine whether Microsoft properly explained the price increase, the addition of AI tools and the steps required to remain on a cheaper subscription.
Microsoft Yet to Respond
Microsoft was not immediately available to comment on the investigation.
The company could face further regulatory scrutiny if Italian authorities conclude that its subscription practices violated consumer protection rules.
