The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a broad antitrust investigation into Microsoft, focusing on the company's cloud services and software licensing practices. The probe comes amid complaints from competitors about Microsoft's alleged tactics that lock customers into its Azure cloud platform, making it difficult for them to move data to rival services. The FTC is also scrutinizing Microsoft's practices in cybersecurity and its integration of artificial intelligence into its products, such as Office and Outlook
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated an extensive antitrust investigation into Microsoft, examining its market practices in cloud computing and software licensing. The probe, which is part of a broader focus on Big Tech, targets accusations that Microsoft is abusing its market power, particularly in its Azure cloud service, by enforcing restrictive licensing policies. Competitors, including Google, have raised concerns that these practices prevent customers from migrating to other cloud platforms, potentially stifling competition
Additionally, the FTC is exploring Microsoft's involvement in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, particularly as the company integrates AI tools into widely-used software like Office and Outlook. This inquiry follows complaints from lobbying groups and competitors that Microsoft is using its dominant position in the software market to unfairly control access to essential services and technologies