John Lopatka, a former guide to the FTC who now teaches antitrust legislation at Penn State, informed ProPublica that the Microsoft actions detailed within the information group’s current reporting adopted “a really acquainted sample” of conduct.
“It does echo the Microsoft case” from a long time in the past, mentioned Lopatka, who co-authored a e book on that case.
Within the new investigation, the FTC has despatched Microsoft a civil investigative demand, the company’s model of a subpoena, compelling the corporate to show over info, individuals accustomed to the probe mentioned. Microsoft confirmed that it acquired the doc.
Firm spokesperson David Cuddy didn’t touch upon the specifics of the investigation however mentioned the FTC’s demand is “broad, vast ranging, and requests issues which might be out of the realm of risk to even be logical.” He declined to offer on-the-record examples. The FTC declined to remark.
The company’s investigation follows a public remark interval in 2023 throughout which it sought info on the enterprise practices of cloud computing suppliers. When that concluded, the FTC mentioned it had ongoing curiosity in whether or not “sure enterprise practices are inhibiting competitors.”
The current demand to Microsoft represents one in all FTC Commissioner Lina Khan’s remaining strikes as chair, and the probe seems to be choosing up steam because the Biden administration winds down. The fee’s new management, nevertheless, will resolve the way forward for the investigation.
President-elect Donald Trump mentioned this month that he’ll elevate Commissioner Andrew Ferguson, a Republican legal professional, to steer the company. Following the announcement, Ferguson mentioned in a put up on X, “On the FTC, we are going to finish Huge Tech’s vendetta in opposition to competitors and free speech. We’ll guarantee that America is the world’s technological chief and one of the best place for innovators to convey new concepts to life.”
Trump additionally mentioned he would nominate Republican lawyer Mark Meador as a commissioner, describing him as an “antitrust enforcer” who beforehand labored on the FTC and the Justice Division. Meador can also be a former aide to Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican who launched laws to interrupt up Google.
Doris Burke contributed analysis.
This story initially appeared on ProPublica.
