Regulators are demanding information from the company on its cloud computing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity products.
The Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into whether Microsoft has violated antitrust law in multiple segments of its wide-ranging business, according to two people familiar with the matter, the latest salvo in a battle by the government to rein in the most powerful tech companies.
The agency recently sent a long and detailed formal request for information to the company asking about its cloud computing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity products, the people said. Of particular interest to the F.T.C. is the way that Microsoft bundles its cloud computing offerings with office and security products, they added, alongside the company’s growing power in the artificial intelligence space.
The inquiry signals an intensifying focus on the power of the biggest tech companies over the way people consume information, communicate and shop online. Already, the F.T.C. has sued Amazon and Meta, accusing them of anticompetitive behavior and stifling rivals. The Justice Department has also sued Google over its dominance in advertising technology, and Apple for making it difficult for consumers to leave its tightly knit universe of devices and software.
Microsoft, one of the most valuable companies in the world with a disparate business that includes its Windows operating software, social media platform LinkedIn and video game platform Xbox, had so far largely escaped the recent ramp up in antitrust scrutiny.
Microsoft and the F.T.C. declined to comment. Bloomberg and The Financial Times first reported details of the investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.