FTC Advances Antitrust Probe Into Microsoft's AI and Cloud Practices

The investigation, launched during the Biden administration, examines whether Microsoft's business operations give it an unfair advantage in the AI market.

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.