The scrutiny surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of voice recognition firm

Microsoft’s acquisition of Nuance Communications, an artificial intelligence company utilized by the NHS, is currently under scrutiny by the competition regulator. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised inquiries with Microsoft and has interviewed customers and competitors regarding the takeover. Although Microsoft has yet to file with the regulator, the CMA will have 40 working days to decide whether to initiate a thorough investigation.

While the deal has been approved by authorities in the US and Australia, the European Commission has been consulting with rivals and is expected to grant approval in the near future. Nuance is renowned for developing the original speech recognition system used by Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri. In the NHS, its transcription software is widely employed to streamline note-taking and has become even more vital during the pandemic, enabling doctors to maintain personal protective equipment. Additionally, Nuance’s software powers automated systems like chatbots that assist in answering questions about coronavirus vaccines.

In April, Microsoft announced its $16 billion agreement to acquire Nuance, marking one of its most significant deals, with the aim of strengthening its presence in the healthcare sector. Although the company initially anticipated completing the transaction by the end of the year, they have since indicated that it may extend into 2022.

One of the concerns reportedly raised by the CMA is whether Microsoft’s purchase of Nuance would impede the launch of its own competing product. Microsoft currently offers a special version of its 365 software subscription service tailored for the healthcare industry, which could potentially be bundled with Nuance’s technology. Competitors have complained about the practice of bundling multiple services, arguing that it creates greater barriers to competition.

Both the CMA and Microsoft have declined to provide further comments on the matter.

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