FTC, Led by Lina Khan, to Probe Microsoft's Azure for Anti-Competitive Practices

Nov 14, 2024, 05:57 PM

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), led by Chair Lina Khan, is preparing to launch an investigation into Microsoft Corp.'s cloud computing business, focusing on potential anti-competitive practices. The probe will examine Microsoft's Azure cloud service, specifically looking into allegations of market power abuse in productivity software, punitive licensing terms, exit fees, compatibility restrictions, and practices that prevent customers from moving data to competitors' platforms. This move comes as part of the FTC's broader scrutiny of Big Tech companies in the final days of Joe Biden's presidency. The investigation aims to address concerns about Microsoft's dominance in the cloud market and its impact on competition.