The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly preparing an investigation into Microsoft's cloud computing platform, Azure, due to concerns about antitrust practices.
The FTC is investigating allegations that Microsoft is preventing customers from moving their data from its own platforms to cloud services .
The regulator will check whether Microsoft uses tactics such as increasing subscriptions for customers who want to leave, increasing exit fees or making its platform incompatible with those of competitors.
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Such an investigation into Microsoft is highly likely, given that FTC Chair Lina Khanis one of the biggest critics of Big Tech. During her tenure, she has called for stronger antitrust regulations.
Microsoft in the spotlight for its cloud service
Last year, the FTC sought public feedback on the business practices of cloud providers. Most expressed concerns about competition, highlighting restrictive software licensing, high data transfer fees and more.
Antitrust investigations
Khan, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, has led antitrust investigations against major tech companies, including Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple and OpenAI.
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Antitrust laws are enforced by both the FTC and the U.S. Department of Justice and are designed to promote fair competition and deter monopolistic practices.
Enforcing these laws is essential to maintaining a healthy market environment where innovation can thrive, while also protecting consumers.
The Microsoft cloud service investigation highlights regulators' ongoing efforts to hold big tech companies accountable for their actions. There have been a number of similar cases in Europe recently, involving companies like Google, Facebook and Amazon. The companies are facing antitrust investigations and fines from various regulators.
See also: Corning Gorilla Glass: Investigated for Violation of EU Antitrust Rules
Yesterday, it was revealed that lawsuit £3 billion from a consumer group, which claims the company breached British competition law by "forcing" customers to use its iCloud.
Source: www.businessinsider.com
