Yesterday, Bloomberg reported that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is forging ahead with an antitrust investigation into Microsoft, one that began under the Biden administration, as they continue to seek information regarding Microsoft’s cloud computing practices and OpenAI investment.

The following statement can be attributed to George Rakis, Executive Director for NextGen Competition (nextgencomp.tech):

We applaud Chair Ferguson and the FTC for pressing forward with this critical investigation into Microsoft’s business practices. From restrictive cloud computing bundling to its multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI, Microsoft has taken advantage of its dominance in desktop computing. Businesses hit by higher prices, exit fees, and barriers to switching platforms deserve accountability. The FTC must act in the interest of consumers and competition.

Antitrust enforcement transcends politics. By staying the course, the FTC reaffirms its mission to promote fair competition and hold dominant firms accountable.

About NextGen Competition

Our mission is to support a robust and competitive technology ecosystem by opposing anti-competitive business practices and promoting greater industry accountability. Specifically, we oppose consolidation in the industry that undermines worker protections and employer accountability, threatens data privacy and security, encourages market concentration, and limits consumer choice. NextGen Competition intends to work with a broad coalition of unions and public interest partners as it seeks to oppose anti-competitive business practices.