12:59 PM EDT, 05/07/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates to include statement from a Microsoft ( MSFT ) spokesperson in the fourth paragraph.)

Microsoft ( MSFT ) was accused Tuesday of engaging in unfair competition in the cloud services market by the Spanish Startup Association, an organization representing more than 700 startup firms in Spain.

The group filed a complaint against Microsoft ( MSFT ) with Spain's National Markets and Competition Commission accusing the US software giant of "restrictive practices" and "anti-competitive behavior" by using its dominant positions in the operating system and office software markets to impose its Azure cloud services on consumers and businesses. The alleged practices include restrictions on data mobility or contractual conditions that restrict competition, the group said in a statement.

The Madrid-based group said it sought not only to highlight Microsoft's ( MSFT ) alleged practices but also to urge the competition commission to investigate the company for alleged violations and take remedial steps.

"Microsoft ( MSFT ) provides choice and flexibility for our customers to switch to another cloud provider at no cost, and our licensing terms enable our customers and other cloud providers to run and offer Microsoft ( MSFT ) software on every cloud," a Microsoft ( MSFT ) spokesperson told MT Newswires. "We will engage with the Spanish Startup Association to learn more about its concerns."

The startup association did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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