Overview
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is continuing its antitrust investigation into Microsoft, focusing on its AI and cloud computing operations, as well as software licensing practices.
- The probe seeks to determine if Microsoft's profits from other business areas provide it with an unfair edge over competitors in the AI sector.
- FTC staff have recently requested detailed data from Microsoft, including information on its AI operations dating back to 2016 and its deal with OpenAI.
- The investigation, initiated under former FTC Chair Lina Khan, is now overseen by Andrew Ferguson, who took over as FTC chair under President Donald Trump.
- Microsoft's practices related to cybersecurity, data centers, and potential licensing restrictions aimed at preventing customers from switching to rival platforms are also under scrutiny.