**Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple face antitrust probe over cloud services**
**What’s the story?**
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly investigating four major tech giants — Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple — over potential antitrust violations in the cloud computing market.
**Why is this important?**
Cloud computing has become increasingly vital for businesses of all sizes, and these four companies control a significant portion of the market. If found guilty of antitrust violations, they could face hefty fines and other penalties.
**What are the allegations?**
The DOJ is reportedly looking into whether these companies have engaged in anti-competitive practices such as:
* **Tying:** Bundling cloud services with other products or services, forcing customers to purchase multiple products from the same company.
* **Exclusive dealing:** Requiring customers to use only the company’s cloud services, preventing them from using competing services.
* **Predatory pricing:** Offering cloud services at below-cost prices to drive competitors out of the market.
**What could happen next?**
If the DOJ finds evidence of antitrust violations, it could file a lawsuit against the companies involved. The companies could face fines, divestitures, and other remedies designed to restore competition to the cloud computing market.
**What are the companies saying?**
All four companies have denied any wrongdoing. Google said in a statement that it .
