(Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has initiated a comprehensive antitrust investigation into Microsoft (NASDAQ:), according to a source familiar with the matter on Wednesday. This move marks the latest scrutiny faced by Big Tech companies from regulators.
The FTC’s investigation will focus on Microsoft’s software licensing, cloud computing businesses, and practices related to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence products, as stated by the source.
Key cases against other Big Tech companies include:
MICROSOFT
Before her expected departure in January, FTC Chair Lina Khan approved the antitrust probe into Microsoft, anticipating a more lenient approach under incoming President Donald Trump. The investigation will also delve into allegations of Microsoft potentially abusing its market power in productivity software by imposing restrictive licensing terms to hinder customers from migrating their data from its Azure cloud service to other competing platforms.
ALPHABET
In the case of Alphabet (NASDAQ:) Google’s search, prosecutors argue that the company violated the law with an illegal monopoly on online search. They suggest remedies such as selling its Chrome browser, sharing data and search results, and potentially divesting Android. Google will have an opportunity in December to propose its own solutions before a trial on appropriate remedies.
APPLE
In March, the U.S. Department of Justice and 16 states sued Apple (NASDAQ:) for allegedly monopolizing the smartphone market, harming smaller competitors, and inflating prices. Additionally, Apple faces regulatory scrutiny in Europe and is set to be fined for breaching the EU’s tech rules.
META PLATFORMS
Meta was instructed by Europe’s Court of Justice to limit the use of personal data acquired from Facebook (NASDAQ:) for targeted advertising. The company has faced legal challenges on various fronts, including fines for data handling and accusations of fueling a youth mental health crisis through its platforms.
AMAZON.COM
The FTC filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon.com (NASDAQ:) in September, alleging consumer harm through higher prices. Despite some claims being dismissed, the case continues to pursue remaining allegations.
The FTC has also taken legal action against Amazon, including a case accusing the e-commerce giant of misleading consumers into purchasing Prime services subscriptions.
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