The FTC investigates Microsoft in the US for monopolistic practices

The United States Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation on a large scale a Microsoft for monopolistic practices, which adds Redmond to the list of large technology companies that have been investigated in the country in recent years. Specifically, according to Bloomberg, what the agency wants to verify is whether the company has violated competition laws in its software and cloud licensing areas, as well as in its Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity offering.

The investigation has been opened after the FTC has been debating with Microsoft for about a year, from which it has already requested various information about its activity and practices. Also with your competitors and partners. Among other things, it will focus on how the company builds productivity and security software packages with Azure services.

According to the conclusions reached by the Cybersecurity Review Board throughout this year, «Microsoft’s security culture is inadequate and requires reform, especially given the company’s centrality in the technology ecosystem«.

Shortly after this specific news became known, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella sent a message to employees, telling them that if they had to choose between security and another priority, they should always choose security first.

The FTC’s interest in the actions of Microsoft’s cloud division increased after several cybersecurity incidents had a notable impact on several of its products. Also because the company is one of the main software providers to US government agencies.

If this investigation ultimately ends in a lawsuit against the company, Microsoft would have to face a situation similar to the one it had in the late 90s, with a lawsuit from the Department of Justice for offering its web browser and its software in the same package. Windows operating system.

Those from Redmond have since managed to avoid this type of situation in the United States while it was the turn of other technology companies, but it seems that now they are not going to be so lucky. It remains to be seen, yes, What will the situation look like at the FTC?and the organizations and entities related to the commission once, at the beginning of 2025, the change of government occurs in the country.