The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is continuing its antitrust investigation into Microsoft (MSFT.O). Bloomberg News reported that the probe, which began during the Biden administration, is gathering momentum, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The FTC staff has reportedly been meeting with various companies and groups in recent weeks to collect information. Microsoft and the FTC have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Last year, the FTC launched a comprehensive antitrust investigation into Microsoft, focused particularly on its software licensing and cloud computing operations, according to earlier Reuters reports. This investigation was authorized by then-FTC chair Lina Khan before her departure. Andrew Ferguson subsequently took over as chair.
The FTC is reportedly scrutinizing allegations that Microsoft may be leveraging its market position in productivity software, possibly through restrictive licensing terms designed to prevent customers from transitioning from its Azure cloud service to competing platforms. The agency has requested detailed information from Microsoft regarding its data centers, challenges in securing sufficient computing power to meet customer demand, and changes to licensing rules expected to be implemented later this year, as indicated in the Bloomberg report.
Additionally, Microsoft’s choice to reduce funding for its own artificial intelligence projects after reaching an agreement with OpenAI is under scrutiny, the report noted. The FTC is also examining Microsoft’s practices concerning cybersecurity and artificial intelligence products.
Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Arun Koyyur
