FTC Launches Antitrust Investigation Into Microsoft's Cloud And Software Practices

According to Odaily, the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated an antitrust investigation into Microsoft, focusing on its cloud computing, software licensing, cybersecurity products, and artificial intelligence offerings. This development follows over a year of informal discussions with Microsoft's competitors and business partners. The FTC's enforcement team has compiled a comprehensive request, spanning hundreds of pages, demanding Microsoft to provide relevant information. The investigation is particularly concentrated on Microsoft's strategy of bundling its popular productivity and security software with its cloud services. This scrutiny has intensified following a series of cybersecurity incidents involving Microsoft's products. The FTC is concerned about Microsoft's influence in the market, especially given its role as a government contractor and its cybersecurity lapses. A significant aspect of the investigation is examining Microsoft's practices related to its security software, Microsoft Entra ID, formerly known as Azure Active Directory. This software plays a crucial role in verifying user logins for cloud-based applications. The FTC's antitrust lawyers are scheduled to meet with Microsoft's competitors next week to gather additional information, aiming to understand the broader implications of Microsoft's market strategies.