Microsoft’s Bing, Edge to avoid EU’s digital dominance crackdown

The EU’s DMA strikes at the heart of the business models of six of the world’s most powerful technology firms deemed to be digital 'gatekeepers.' — AFP

Microsoft Corp’s Bing search engine, Edge web browser and Advertising services are set to be exempt from strict new European Union antitrust rules reining in Big Tech platforms because watchdogs tentatively concluded they’re not dominant enough to be hit by the regulation.

European Commission officials are leaning toward the reprieve for the US software giant as part of a five-month market investigation ending in February, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. The boost for Microsoft comes after Bloomberg reported that officials already opted against including Apple Inc.’s iMessage service in the new Digital Markets Act, which takes effect in March.