After Google and Apple, Microsoft is now under investigation by the FTC for potential antitrust violations.  

The antitrust regulations are rigorously addressing companies that infringe upon the law and are scrutinizing such business practices by mandating policy changes or imposing substantial fines.

The FTC has commenced an antitrust investigation into Microsoft regarding any potential anti-competitive practices. Antitrust regulations targeting Google have dominated recent news, and Microsoft is not the only company encountering heightened scrutiny from regulatory authorities. According to a Bloomberg report, the FTC has been requesting extensive information about various business practices and has engaged in informal discussions with the company's partners and competitors for over a year.

A primary focus of the investigation pertains to software bundles that include Azure cloud services, such as Microsoft 365. These bundles have raised concerns regarding their potential to be anti-competitive, thereby placing other cloud service providers at a disadvantage. Given that Microsoft serves as a principal software supplier for the U.S. government, it has attracted significant attention and scrutiny, particularly regarding its cybersecurity offerings.

Earlier this year, the government’s Cyber Safety Review Board concluded that Microsoft's security measures require improvement and are inadequate considering its crucial role in the technology sector. Following this review, CEO Satya Nadella communicated with employees through a memo, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing security at all times. Microsoft has managed to evade antitrust regulators for a considerable duration, with its previous lawsuit initiated by the DOJ occurring in the 1990s.

However, the approach taken by investigators may shift with the forthcoming Trump administration. It is also plausible that the investigations will remain unaffected by the political landscape and will continue with active diligence.