Italy opens investigation against Microsoft related to costs

The Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) opened an investigation against Microsoft due to the “fragmented” information provided to consumers about the increase in the price of subscription to the Microsoft 365 service. In a statement published this Friday, the 26th, the body reported that the commercial practice is considered “unfair”.

Consumers were automatically included in a new, higher-priced subscription plan unless they exercised their right to opt out, according to the AGCM.

“Such information appears to have been presented in a fragmented manner, without making it sufficiently clear that the subscription service had been integrated with the ‘Copilot’ and ‘Designer’ artificial intelligence services,” said the agency, in a note.

In the AGCM’s assessment, the conduct adopted by the American technology giant may violate consumer protection standards, since the company apparently did not provide sufficient information for customers to evaluate changes to the service offered and, consequently, make an informed decision about whether or not to renew their subscription.

“The way in which the information was communicated could also constitute an aggressive practice, as it appears to have unduly restricted consumers’ freedom of choice,” added the Italian authority.