Home Stocks Microsoft faces wide-ranging US antitrust probe By Reuters

Microsoft faces wide-ranging US antitrust probe By Reuters

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Microsoft faces wide-ranging US antitrust probe By Reuters

(Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Commerce Fee has opened a broad antitrust investigation into Microsoft (NASDAQ:), together with of its software program licensing and cloud computing companies, a supply acquainted with the matter mentioned on Wednesday.

The probe was authorized by FTC Chair Lina Khan forward of her possible departure in January. The election of Donald Trump as U.S. president and the expectation he’ll appoint a fellow Republican with a softer method towards enterprise, leaves the result of the investigation up within the air.

The FTC is analyzing allegations that the software program large is probably abusing its market energy in productiveness software program by imposing punitive licensing phrases to stop clients from transferring their knowledge from its Azure cloud service to different aggressive platforms, sources confirmed earlier this month.

The FTC can also be taking a look at practices associated to cybersecurity and synthetic intelligence merchandise, the supply mentioned on Wednesday.

Microsoft declined to touch upon Wednesday.

The FTC fielded complaints about Microsoft final yr because it examined the cloud computing market.

NetChoice, a lobbying group that represents on-line firms together with Amazon (NASDAQ:) and Google (NASDAQ:), which compete with Microsoft in cloud computing, criticized Microsoft’s licensing insurance policies, and its integration of AI instruments into its Workplace and Outlook.

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: A view shows a Microsoft logo at Microsoft offices in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France, March 25, 2024. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

“On condition that Microsoft is the world’s largest software program firm, dominating in productiveness and working techniques software program, the dimensions and penalties of its licensing choices are extraordinary,” the group mentioned.

The FTC didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark. The FTC has demanded a broad vary of detailed info from Microsoft, Bloomberg reported earlier on Wednesday.