FTC escalates antitrust investigation into Microsoft, questioning competitors about its cloud and AI businesses

Gelonghui, February 13th｜The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is accelerating its review of Microsoft (MSFT.O) as part of an ongoing investigation into whether the company is illegally monopolizing a large share of the enterprise computing market through its cloud software and artificial intelligence products, including Copilot. According to informed sources, the agency has in recent weeks issued civil investigative demands to Microsoft's competitors in the business software and cloud computing markets. These demands include a series of inquiries regarding Microsoft's licensing and other business practices. At least six companies have received such requests. Through these directives, which are equivalent to civil subpoenas, the FTC is seeking evidence that Microsoft is making it more difficult for customers to use products like Windows and Office on competing cloud services. Some sources also stated that the agency has requested information about Microsoft bundling artificial intelligence, security, and identity software into products such as Windows and Office.