The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated a comprehensive antitrust investigation into Microsoft, focusing on its software licensing, cloud computing, and AI sectors. This probe scrutinizes practices like locking customers into its Azure cloud service and potential anti-competitive behavior in cybersecurity and AI deals, such as the $650 million investment in Inflection AI. Industry critics, including Google and NetChoice, argue Microsoft’s practices are limiting competition. The investigation could lead to significant fines and changes in Microsoft’s operations, reflecting broader scrutiny of big tech companies in the US.