the staff of the Riidgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has set its sights on Microsoft in a new antitrust investigation, signaling growing scrutiny of the tech giant’s practices in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.
Focus Areas of the Investigation
The FTC has formally requested information from Microsoft, with particular interest in:
- Bundling Practices: The agency is examining how Microsoft packages its cloud computing services with Office products (e.g., Excel, Word) and cybersecurity tools.
- AI Dominance: Microsoft’s rapid expansion in artificial intelligence, fueled by its partnerships and significant investment in OpenAI (the maker of ChatGPT), is also under scrutiny.
Earlier this year, the European Union flagged Microsoft for similar behavior, ruling that the company violated antitrust regulations by bundling its Teams communication app with Office software.
Why It Matters
This investigation comes as governments worldwide increase efforts to regulate Big Tech. By targeting bundling practices and market dominance, the FTC is signaling that it intends to scrutinize how Microsoft’s business strategies affect competition and consumer choice.
The Bigger Picture
Microsoft is no stranger to antitrust inquiries, with its history including a landmark case in the late 1990s over its dominance in operating systems and browsers. This latest probe highlights ongoing concerns about the company’s influence as it diversifies into emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing.
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