John Lopatka, a former guide to the FTC who now teaches antitrust legislation at Penn State, instructed ProPublica that the Microsoft actions detailed within the information group’s current reporting adopted “a very familiar pattern” of habits.
“It does echo the Microsoft case” from a long time in the past, stated Lopatka, who co-authored a e book on that case.
In the brand new investigation, the FTC has despatched Microsoft a civil investigative demand, the company’s model of a subpoena, compelling the corporate to show over data, individuals acquainted with the probe stated. Microsoft confirmed that it obtained the doc.
Company spokesperson David Cuddy didn’t touch upon the specifics of the investigation however stated the FTC’s demand is “broad, wide ranging, and requests things that are out of the realm of possibility to even be logical.” He declined to supply on-the-record examples. The FTC declined to remark.
The company’s investigation follows a public remark interval in 2023 throughout which it sought data on the enterprise practices of cloud computing suppliers. When that concluded, the FTC stated it had ongoing curiosity in whether or not “certain business practices are inhibiting competition.”
The current demand to Microsoft represents one of FTC Commissioner Lina Khan’s last strikes as chair, and the probe seems to be selecting up steam because the Biden administration winds down. The fee’s new management, nonetheless, will determine the long run of the investigation.
President-elect Donald Trump stated this month that he’ll elevate Commissioner Andrew Ferguson, a Republican legal professional, to guide the company. Following the announcement, Ferguson stated in a submit on X, “At the FTC, we will end Big Tech’s vendetta against competition and free speech. We will make sure that America is the world’s technological leader and the best place for innovators to bring new ideas to life.”
Trump additionally stated 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 Department. 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.