The digitisation of the economy has brought with it a demand for services that can provide access to computing resources and data storage in a convenient and flexible manner. In recent years, businesses and governments have adopted cloud computing services as part of their information technology spending. The cloud computing services market has experienced rapid growth, as both existing economic actors move their computing needs to the cloud, and a new generation of startup businesses establish themselves that operate purely from the cloud.
Given its significance across the economy, some competition authorities have already begun examining cloud computing services, mostly through market studies. Of particular interest to authorities is the market concentration in cloud computing services controlled by the world’s largest technology companies, which raises competition concerns. Authorities have also analysed how economies of scope and scale, barriers to entry, and industry practices (particularly around pricing and data portability) pose competition risks.
In June 2025, the OECD will hold a roundtable to discuss recent developments in cloud computing services. The discussion will examine market concentration, barriers to entry, and interoperability challenges while analysing practical tools and strategies, such as regulatory frameworks, as a means to address these pressing issues effectively.
