FTC opens antitrust investigation into Microsofts cloud, AI, and cybersecurity practices Computerworld [Video]

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an antitrust investigation into Microsoft, scrutinizing its cloud computing, software licensing, cybersecurity, and AI businesses.

The inquiry follows over a year of informal interviews with competitors and business partners, Bloomberg reported. FTC antitrust lawyers have sent Microsoft a detailed information demand, spanning hundreds of pages, after receiving approval from FTC Chair Lina Khan, the report said quoting sources familiar with the matter.

In the second week of November, Computer World reported that the FTC was preparing to investigate the business practices of Microsoft. The allegations were on whether Microsoft is abusing its market dominance by deploying restrictive licensing terms, which is not a fair practice.

Focus on market dominance and security practices

The investigation centers on Microsoft’s bundling of office productivity and security software with its cloud services, a practice critics argue disadvantages competitors in the authentication and cybersecurity markets. The FTC is particularly examining Microsoft Entra ID, its user authentication …