Microsoft has requested the inspector general at the Federal Trade Commission to investigate potential leaks regarding its antitrust investigation. The company is urging for transparency in the findings of this investigation.
Bloomberg initially reported on the ongoing probe, later confirmed by The Verge. The investigation encompasses Microsoft’s cloud services, software licensing, AI, and cybersecurity products.
Rima Alaily, Microsoft’s corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, has accused FTC management of leaking confidential information about the probe. This act is seen as a breach of the agency’s ethics guidelines which highlight the confidentiality of ongoing investigations.
Alaily’s letter to the FTC suggests that the leaked information may have originated from within the agency itself. This incident adds to a pattern of unauthorized disclosures observed over the past two years according to a report by the FTC IG.
Microsoft claims to have been unaware of the information demand by the FTC until it was reported in the media. Despite seeking clarification from FTC staff, the company has not received confirmation of the existence of the information demand.
This incident reflects Microsoft’s more assertive stance in addressing antitrust concerns. The company has been vocal about challenges from competitors and regulatory bodies, emphasizing the importance of fair competition.
While Microsoft has not been the primary target of antitrust actions in the past, recent developments indicate a shift in regulatory focus. The company’s operations, acquisitions, and partnerships are under increased scrutiny, shaping its future interactions with regulatory authorities.
