Microsoft: consumer protection enforcement case
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating suspected infringements of consumer law in relation to the presentation of information to customers about changes to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions made by Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited.
Case timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| July to December 2026 | Initial investigation: information and evidence gathering (next case update by the end of 2026) |
| 27 July 2026 | Investigation opened |
Case opening
27 July 2026: The CMA has opened an investigation into suspected infringements of consumer protection law by Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited, trading as Microsoft.
The CMA is investigating Microsoft over concerns that customers may not have been given clear information upfront about subscription options when changes were made to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans – including adding new features such as Copilot. The CMA is looking into whether Microsoft’s communications with customers before renewal were misleading. The investigation will examine whether customers were given key information about the plans and the difference in cost to understand the options available to them before making a decision.
The CMA will now gather and analyse further evidence to determine whether the company has infringed consumer protection law.
At this initial stage, it should not be assumed that Microsoft has infringed consumer protection law, and no finding has been made.
- Press release: CMA investigates Microsoft over marketing of subscription plans (29.7.26)
Contact
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Sabrina Basran, Director
-
Hayley Fletcher, Senior Responsible Officer
Personal information
Your name and contact details are your personal data. The CMA may collect, use and share personal data for its consumer protection investigation under Part 8 the Enterprise Act 2002. This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018.
For more information about how the CMA handles personal information, please read our personal information charter.