The FTC's New Focus: Microsoft's Cloud and Cybersecurity Practices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened a broad antitrust investigation into Microsoft's entire business. Lina Khan, the FTC chair, has been critical of Microsoft in the past, particularly during their attempt to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Despite her efforts, the deal went through, and Microsoft has kept its promises to keep Call of Duty multiplatform and add it to Xbox Game Pass, benefiting consumers. Now, Khan has started a new antitrust probe into Microsoft's cloud and cybersecurity practices. Microsoft hasn't commented on this yet. Rivals like Google, Amazon, and Oracle have complained about Microsoft's Azure platform and how it bundles benefits like Office and Outlook. They also claim Microsoft makes it hard to switch providers.

There's a lot of interest in tech monopolies right now. Google might have to sell Chrome and Android due to a search and ad monopoly accusation. The FTC is also investigating Amazon's retail practices, and the Department of Justice has accused Apple of having a monopoly in the smartphone market. Microsoft's future is uncertain. With Donald Trump winning the election, the FTC's approach might change. Khan is expected to leave, likely replaced by a Republican who might be more pro-business. Elon Musk, who competes with Microsoft in AI and has sued them, could also influence policy. Microsoft has big contracts with the U. S. government, including military ones. Recently, their email services were hacked, which could be relevant to the probe. Microsoft's shares dipped 1% after the news, but shareholders seem unconcerned for now.

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