German antitrust officials said they were placing Microsoft under closer surveillance to prevent the tech giant from engaging in any anticompetitive practices, the latest salvo from European regulators against U.

Germany's competition watchdog said on Monday that it had classified Microsoft as a "company with paramount cross-market significance for competition", meaning that it can take stronger action against the tech giant going forward.

Microsoft has joined an exclusive club of tech giants that are subject to a special abuse control regime in Germany. The country's Federal Cartel Office (FCO) confirmed on Monday that the software giant could face restrictions if the competition authority deems an intervention is necessary.

Germany's anti-cartel watchdog said Monday it had placed US tech giant Microsoft under closer surveillance for any possible abuse of its market position.