UK regulator probes Microsoft over Copilot pricing

Britain's Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into Microsoft over allegations the company misled customers about changes to its Microsoft 365 personal and family subscription plans, potentially causing them to pay more. The probe, announced on July 29, 2026, centers on how the tech giant incorporated its Copilot AI service into the plans and communicated the changes to existing subscribers.

The regulator is examining concerns that customers were not given adequate, clear, or timely information about their options before subscription renewals. According to the CMA, starting in January 2025, existing subscribers were given access to new features, including Copilot, at no extra cost for the remainder of their current subscription term. However, once that period ended, they were automatically moved to a new, more expensive plan that included these features unless they actively chose a different plan or canceled. A time-limited "Classic" plan, offering the original features at the previous price, was made available. Annual customers on the Microsoft 365 Personal and Family Plan paid £25 more than the Classic version.

Hayley Fletcher, senior director for...