Democracy Dies in Darkness

FTC launches antitrust investigation into Microsoft as Biden era ends

The Federal Trade Commission sent a broad request to the tech giant asking for information on its cloud, software and AI businesses.

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Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella addresses attendees at the Microsoft Ignite conference in Chicago on Nov. 19. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)
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The Federal Trade Commission has launched a broad antitrust investigation into Microsoft’s business empire — a late-game shot at Big Tech from the Democratic-led agency in the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s administration.

The FTC sent a demand for documents to Microsoft on Wednesday that asks for detailed information on several of the company’s businesses. Those of interest include its cloud computing services, artificial intelligence tools and cybersecurity software, according to a person familiar with the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the agency’s private plans.