Governance
FTC targets Microsoft: Cloud monopoly in the spotlight
What happened The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly preparing to investigate Microsoft’s cloud computing business, as reported by multiple sources on Thursday (November 14). This move comes amid allegations of the company potentially abusing its market position in the cloud services se…
Headline
What happened The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly preparing to investigate Microsoft’s cloud computing business, as reported by multiple sources on Thursday (November 14). This move comes amid allegations of the company potentially abusing its market position in…
Context
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly preparing to investigate Microsoft ’s cloud computing business, as reported by multiple sources on Thursday (November 14). This move comes amid allegations of the company potentially abusing its market position in the cloud services sector. The Financial Times first revealed that the FTC is focusing on Microsoft’s productivity software, Microsoft 365 , amid claims that it effectively locks customers into using Microsoft’s Azure cloud services. Following this, The Washington Post reported that the agency plans to issue Microsoft requests for documents and records.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
This investigation represents the latest regulatory scrutiny of big tech under FTC chair Lina Khan . Previously, the FTC challenged Microsoft over its $69 billion acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard, one of the largest deals in tech history. If the investigation proceeds, it could lead to stricter oversight of Microsoft’s cloud strategies, underscoring the FTC’s commitment to protecting competitive markets increasingly dominated by a few major players. Neither the FTC nor Microsoft has commented publicly on the matter. Also read: FTC eyes Microsoft’s cloud practices amid anti-trust scrutiny
Key Points
- The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly preparing to investigate Microsoft for potentially anti-competitive practices in its cloud computing division.
- If it goes ahead, the investigation could lead to increased oversight of Microsoft’s cloud strategy.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
