Microsoft is embroiled in a dispute with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and faces an antitrust investigation. The commission is investigating his practices in cloud computing and security.
After Google and Apple, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) turned its attention to Microsoft. The investigation concerns possible antitrust practices in cloud computing, licensing and cybersecurity. The FTC is investigating whether Microsoft restricts competition by, for example, bundles that combine Azure and Microsoft 365 services, thereby putting other cloud service providers at a disadvantage.
Microsoft’s role as a major software supplier to the US government is also drawing attention. This year’s report by the government’s Cyber Safety Review Board even criticized the company’s approach to security, which Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reflected in an internal letter, where he emphasized the need for better protection.
Microsoft has long avoided such scrutiny — it last faced a major antitrust investigation in the 1990s. But now the FTC is collecting information from both Microsoft’s competitors and partners, suggesting the commission is taking potential problems seriously.
The investigation comes as authorities tighten their surveillance of tech giants. Microsoft, like Google, Apple or Amazon, faces increasing pressure to balance innovation with compliance with the rules of fair competition.
Source: pctuning.cz