Skype in France: Microsoft in Hot Water in France for Skype Mishap

Skype in France: It appears that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has found itself in some hot water in France. Regulators in the country have decided to investigate the company’s Skype division, citing that it neglected to designate the instant messaging platform as an electronic communications service.

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This information is being reported by PCMAG.com, and could have a major impact on the way the company does business in France in the future.

Here is a brief excerpt from the article, explaining how things work in France:

“In France, companies do not have to get regulatory approval in order to operate as an electronic communications service, but they do have to declare themselves one before providing service in the country. “

While this may not sound like that big of a deal, it is something that individual countries take very seriously. With this in mind, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will now have to deal with this investigation and any repercussions it may bring to the company, more specifically its Skype operations.

If you want to learn more about what exactly is going on, you don’t have to look any further than the “organization overseeing the effort, known as ARCEP.”

“Here, ARCEP offers a reminder that a company is not required to obtain administrative approval to become an electronic communications operator in France, but only to declare themselves beforehand, pursuant to Article L. 33-1 of the French Postal and electronic communications code (CPCE). A failure to comply with this obligation does, however, constitute a criminal offence. “

As you can see, this is serious business as ARCEP considers this mishap a criminal offense.

For whatever reason, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) continues to ignore ARCEP. Here is what the organization said:

“ARCEP has requested several times that Skype declare itself as an electronic communications operator, which the company has failed to do thus far.”

Check back here for more updates on Skype in France.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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