Microsoft Hit by French Antitrust Probe Over Rivals’ Bing Access
- French watchdog examines Microsoft syndication of search tech
- Move could lead to formal charges, possible fines in future
This article is for subscribers only.
Microsoft Corp. is under investigation from the French antitrust authority amid concerns the US tech giant is degrading the quality of results when smaller rivals pay to use Bing technology in their own search-engine products.
Officials are weighing if Microsoft has abused its power in the niche market for search-engine syndication and has quizzed rival operators about their agreements, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke under condition of anonymity.