Italian regulator probes whether subscribers were automatically shifted to more expensive plans with Copilot features.
Italian authorities have launched an investigation into potential unfair price increases for Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The probe focuses on whether customers were automatically moved to more expensive plans without proper consent.
According to the regulator, there are indications that subscribers may have been directed by default to costlier versions of the service. This migration reportedly occurred with the inclusion of artificial intelligence features, specifically Copilot tools, embedded in the packages.
The practice of automatically adding AI services and passing the cost on to consumers has raised concerns across European markets. The Italian case reflects broader scrutiny over how tech companies structure the billing for new automated features in already established products.
Microsoft has not yet publicly commented on the Italian regulator's allegations. The investigation will determine whether the company violated consumer protection laws by altering subscription contracts without clear, prior authorization from affected users.
Italian authorities are investigating whether Microsoft automatically moved subscribers to more expensive plans that included Copilot AI features without obtaining proper consumer consent.
The investigation focuses on the inclusion of Microsoft Copilot tools, which were embedded into subscription packages, resulting in automatic price increases for users.
The regulator is investigating whether Microsoft violated consumer protection laws by altering subscription contracts and automatically billing users for new AI features without clear, prior authorization.