U.S. FTC opens Microsoft antitrust investigation that Trump administration must carry on or drop
3 months, 3 weeks ago

U.S. FTC opens Microsoft antitrust investigation that Trump administration must carry on or drop

The Hindu  

Antitrust enforcers with the Federal Trade Commission have opened a wide-ranging investigation into Microsoft's business practices, starting a big legal project that an incoming Trump administration must take up or abandon. It's the latest action of more than three years of aggressive antitrust enforcement shepherded by FTC Chair Lina Khan, who was elevated to lead the agency by President Joe Biden after he came into office pledging tougher scrutiny of monopolistic behavior by Big Tech companies. Khan's FTC already lost one antitrust fight with Microsoft last year when a federal judge declined to block its $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard. A number of other tech-related antitrust matters are also in play, including the Department of Justice's investigation into chipmaker Nvidia and its push to break up Google — possibly spinning off the Chrome web browser — after a federal judge ruled Google maintained an illegal monopoly for the last decade.

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History of this topic

Microsoft faces broad antitrust probe as Trump’s FTC advances: Report
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Microsoft faces broad antitrust probe as Trump’s FTC advances: Report

The Hindu  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is moving ahead with an antitrust probe of Microsoft that was opened in the waning days of the Biden administration, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The FTC had last year opened a sweeping antitrust investigation into Microsoft, including into its software licensing and cloud computing businesses, Reuters had reported …

Trump says he’ll name Andrew Ferguson head of FTC
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Trump says he’ll name Andrew Ferguson head of FTC

The Hindu  

President-elect Donald Trump made another flurry of job announcements on Tuesday, selecting Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission, Kimberly Guilfoyle as the ambassador to Greece and Tom Barrack as the ambassador to Turkey. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump …

FTC opens Microsoft antitrust investigation that Trump administration must carry on or drop
3 months, 3 weeks ago

FTC opens Microsoft antitrust investigation that Trump administration must carry on or drop

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Antitrust enforcers with the Federal …

FTC opens Microsoft antitrust investigation that Trump administration must carry on or drop
3 months, 3 weeks ago

FTC opens Microsoft antitrust investigation that Trump administration must carry on or drop

Associated Press  

Antitrust enforcers with the Federal Trade Commission have opened a wide-ranging investigation into Microsoft’s business practices, starting a big legal project that an incoming Trump administration must take up or abandon. It’s the latest action of more than three years of aggressive antitrust enforcement shepherded by FTC Chair Lina Khan, who was elevated to lead the agency by President Joe …

Microsoft facing another major antitrust investigation, US FTC goes after various major issues
4 months ago

Microsoft facing another major antitrust investigation, US FTC goes after various major issues

Firstpost  

At the centre of the investigation is Microsoft’s bundling strategy, particularly the integration of productivity tools like Word, Excel, and Teams with its cloud and cybersecurity offerings. Competitors argue it undercuts their ability to compete fairly This investigation marks one of the final moves by Lina Khan, who has led an aggressive campaign against corporate consolidation during her tenure as …

Microsoft Faces Broad Antitrust Investigation From US Federal Trade Commission
4 months ago

Microsoft Faces Broad Antitrust Investigation From US Federal Trade Commission

Deccan Chronicle  

The US Federal Trade Commission has opened an antitrust investigation of Microsoft, drilling into everything from the company’s cloud computing and software licensing businesses to cybersecurity offerings and artificial intelligence products. FTC antitrust lawyers are set to meet with Microsoft competitors next week to gather more information about the Redmond, Washington-based company’s business practices, according to two other people familiar …

Microsoft faces FTC Antitrust Probe over Cloud, AI and security practices
4 months ago

Microsoft faces FTC Antitrust Probe over Cloud, AI and security practices

India TV News  

Microsoft, one of the leading names in the tech world has become the latest tech giant to face an antitrust investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. The probe search into Microsoft’s cloud services, software licensing, cybersecurity, and AI offerings, marked a significant regulatory challenge for the company. Focus on Cloud and Software Bundling The FTC’s inquiry primarily examines how Microsoft …

FTC opens wide-ranging antitrust probe into Microsoft
4 months ago

FTC opens wide-ranging antitrust probe into Microsoft

CNN  

New York CNN — Microsoft is set to go under the microscope of the nation’s top antitrust watchdog, the Federal Trade Commission, which is launching a sweeping investigation into the tech giant’s practices. The FTC, in a letter sent to Microsoft, demanded that it hand over information to assist in the agency’s investigation, a source familiar with the matter told …

Antitrust enforcers prepare final blitz against Big Tech
4 months, 1 week ago

Antitrust enforcers prepare final blitz against Big Tech

Live Mint  

WASHINGTON—The Biden administration’s top antitrust officials plan to take more shots at the tech industry before leaving office, in a race to cap four years of aggressive enforcement. “The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership," said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs. The department’s antitrust division …

US regulators to investigate Microsoft’s cloud business in Pres Biden's final days in White House
4 months, 2 weeks ago

US regulators to investigate Microsoft’s cloud business in Pres Biden's final days in White House

Firstpost  

Microsoft has been using restrictive licensing agreements to prevent customers from moving their data to competing platforms. These practices may include increasing subscription fees for customers looking to exit or implementing steep penalties that make leaving cost-prohibitive With the FTC now zeroing in on Microsoft, the investigation could have significant implications for the tech giant. Image Credit: Reuters, Reuters In …

Trump expected to shift course on antitrust, stop Google breakup
Trending News
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Trump expected to shift course on antitrust, stop Google breakup

The Hindu  

Donald Trump will likely dial back some of the antitrust policies pursued under the administration of President Joe Biden, potentially including a bid to break up Alphabet's Google over its dominance in online search, experts said. That gives Mr. Trump and the DOJ time to change course if they choose, said William Kovacic, a law professor at George Washington University. …

FTC opens inquiry into Big Tech’s partnerships with leading AI startups
1 year, 2 months ago

FTC opens inquiry into Big Tech’s partnerships with leading AI startups

Associated Press  

U.S. antitrust enforcers are opening an inquiry into the relationships between leading artificial intelligence startups such as ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and the tech giants that have invested billions of dollars into them. “We’re scrutinizing whether these ties enable dominant firms to exert undue influence or gain privileged access in ways that could undermine fair competition,” said Lina Khan, chair of the …

U.S. antitrust enforcer says pressing on with fight against Microsoft/Activision deal
1 year, 5 months ago

U.S. antitrust enforcer says pressing on with fight against Microsoft/Activision deal

The Hindu  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Friday it remained focused on its appeal opposing Xbox maker Microsoft's now-closed $69 billion deal to buy Activision but would "assess" the company's agreement with Ubisoft. The companies closed their transaction on Friday after winning approval from Britain on condition that they sell the streaming rights to Activision's games to Ubisoft Entertainment to …

U.S. FTC official withdraws case against Microsoft-Activision deal before internal agency judge
1 year, 8 months ago

U.S. FTC official withdraws case against Microsoft-Activision deal before internal agency judge

The Hindu  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission official on Thursday withdrew the agency's case before an in-house judge that sought to block Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of game-maker Activision. It was this attack that the agency put on hold on Thursday, in an order made by FTC Secretary April Tabor. Microsoft and Activision argued in a motion posted to the FTC's website …

Microsoft, Activision urge U.S. to drop case against deal before internal FTC judge
1 year, 8 months ago

Microsoft, Activision urge U.S. to drop case against deal before internal FTC judge

The Hindu  

Microsoft, which is seeking to wrap up its acquisition of game-maker Activision Blizzard, urged the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to withdraw a case against the deal that the agency had brought before an internal FTC judge, according to a motion posted to the FTC's website on Wednesday. Microsoft and Activision on Wednesday extended the deadline for the close of their …

U.S. FTC asks court to temporarily halt Microsoft's acquisition of Activision
1 year, 8 months ago

U.S. FTC asks court to temporarily halt Microsoft's acquisition of Activision

The Hindu  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission asked a federal court on Thursday for a stay that would prevent Microsoft from closing its $69 billion purchase of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard. Any outstanding regulatory hurdle makes it more likely the agreement between Microsoft and Activision will expire on July 18 without the deal having been completed. In its motion for …

FTC appeals judge’s ruling that would allow Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard takeover
1 year, 8 months ago

FTC appeals judge’s ruling that would allow Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard takeover

Associated Press  

The Federal Trade Commission says it is appealing a judge’s ruling that would have allowed Microsoft to close its deal to buy video game company Activision Blizzard. Antitrust enforcers at the FTC have been trying to stop Microsoft’s $68.7 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard, maker of popular game franchises like Call of Duty, arguing it will harm competition in the …

Microsoft attempts to pick apart U.S. legal argument against deal to buy Activision
1 year, 9 months ago

Microsoft attempts to pick apart U.S. legal argument against deal to buy Activision

The Hindu  

Arguing for the government on Tuesday in its legal fight against Microsoft's $69 billion deal to buy game maker Activision Blizzard, Harvard economist Robin Lee struggled at times to plainly demonstrate how the planned deal would hurt gamers. Lee was pressed by an attorney for Microsoft over the details of his analyses of potential market share gains for the Redmond, …

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard faces FTC opposition in to stop competition
1 year, 9 months ago

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard faces FTC opposition in to stop competition

Live Mint  

The Federal Trade Commission has requested a temporary halt to Microsoft's acquisition of videogame company Activision Blizzard, as argued in federal court on Thursday. According to the FTC, if the merger proceeds, it would grant Microsoft's Xbox videogame console sole access to Activision games, disadvantaging Nintendo consoles and Sony Group Corp's PlayStation. "I think you will see that every piece …

FTC to argue Microsoft's deal to buy Activision should be paused
1 year, 9 months ago

FTC to argue Microsoft's deal to buy Activision should be paused

The Hindu  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Thursday will argue in federal court for a preliminary injunction to temporarily block Microsoft's acquisition of videogame maker Activision Blizzard, stopping the deal from closing before the government's case against the deal is heard. In a scheduled five-day hearing before a federal judge in San Francisco, the antitrust enforcer will argue it needs Microsoft …

US Judge temporarily blocks Microsoft's $69-billion acquisition of Activision
1 year, 9 months ago

US Judge temporarily blocks Microsoft's $69-billion acquisition of Activision

Firstpost  

A federal judge in the United States approved the Federal Trade Commission’s request late Tuesday to temporarily halt Microsoft Corp’s acquisition of video game creator Activision Blizzard and scheduled a hearing for next week. Davila said the temporary restraining order issued on Tuesday “is necessary to maintain the status quo while the complaint is pending preserve this court’s ability to …

Judge temporarily blocks Microsoft from completing it's $69B takeover of Activision Blizzard
1 year, 9 months ago

Judge temporarily blocks Microsoft from completing it's $69B takeover of Activision Blizzard

Daily Mail  

Microsoft's planned, record-breaking $69billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard was blocked by a federal judge Tuesday, giving more time for an antitrust review of the deal. Microsoft's planned $69billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard was blocked by a federal judge Tuesday, giving more time for an antitrust review of the deal. Lina Khan, an antitrust academic …

US Regulator Asks Judge to Stop Microsoft's USD 69 Billion Activision Deal
1 year, 9 months ago

US Regulator Asks Judge to Stop Microsoft's USD 69 Billion Activision Deal

News 18  

The US Federal Trade Commission asked a federal court on Monday to block Microsoft from completing its $69 billion buyout of gaming giant Activision Blizzard, a court filing showed. “A preliminary injunction is necessary to… prevent interim harm” while the FTC determines whether “the proposed acquisition violates US antitrust law,” the regulator said in the filing. Xbox-owner Microsoft launched a …

FTC sues to block Microsoft’s takeover of video game maker Activision Blizzard
1 year, 9 months ago

FTC sues to block Microsoft’s takeover of video game maker Activision Blizzard

Associated Press  

The Federal Trade Commission has sued to block Microsoft from completing its deal to buy video game company Activision Blizzard, the latest antitrust challenge to the proposed merger but one that could hasten a conclusion to the drawn-out dispute. “Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have represented in the past that they cannot close their deal due to antitrust reviews of the …

US Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Call of Duty Maker Activision Blizzard
1 year, 11 months ago

US Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Call of Duty Maker Activision Blizzard

News 18  

The US Justice Department has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, Inc., alleging anti-competitive conduct by one of the world’s largest video game developers and publishers. “Today’s lawsuit makes clear that the Antitrust Division remains committed to protecting workers across all types of industries from anticompetitive conduct.” The Federal Trade Commission, which works with the Justice Department to …

Microsoft to Challenge FTC's Potential Block on $69 Billion Activision Blizzard Acquisition
2 years, 3 months ago

Microsoft to Challenge FTC's Potential Block on $69 Billion Activision Blizzard Acquisition

News 18  

Microsoft is headed for a battle with the Federal Trade Commission over whether the U.S. will block the tech giant’s planned takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard. The FTC claims the merger could violate antitrust laws by suppressing competitors to Microsoft’s Xbox game console and its growing Xbox Game Pass subscription business. Activision Blizzard filed its own rebuttal to …

Microsoft braces to fight FTC over Activision Blizzard deal
2 years, 3 months ago

Microsoft braces to fight FTC over Activision Blizzard deal

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Microsoft is headed for a …

Microsoft will fight U.S. over $68.7-billion Activision Blizzard deal
2 years, 3 months ago

Microsoft will fight U.S. over $68.7-billion Activision Blizzard deal

LA Times  

Microsoft is headed for a battle with the Federal Trade Commission, filing a formal challenge Thursday over whether the U.S. will block the tech giant’s planned takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard. Microsoft is headed for a battle with the Federal Trade Commission over whether the U.S. will block the tech giant’s planned takeover of video game company Activision …

Video Gamers Sue Microsoft in U.S. Court, Looking To Stop Activision Takeover
2 years, 3 months ago

Video Gamers Sue Microsoft in U.S. Court, Looking To Stop Activision Takeover

News 18  

– Microsoft Corp was hit on Tuesday in U.S. court with a private consumer lawsuit claiming the technology company's $69 billion bid to purchase "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard Inc will unlawfully squelch competition in the video game industry. The complaint filed in federal court in California comes about two weeks after the U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a …

FTC sues to block Microsoft-Activision Blizzard $69B merger
2 years, 3 months ago

FTC sues to block Microsoft-Activision Blizzard $69B merger

The Hindu  

The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday sued to block Microsoft’s planned $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard, saying it could suppress competitors to Microsoft’s Xbox game console and its growing games subscription business. “Microsoft has already shown that it can and will withhold content from its gaming rivals,” said a prepared statement from Holly Vedova, director of …

FTC sues to block Microsoft-Activision Blizzard $69B merger
2 years, 3 months ago

FTC sues to block Microsoft-Activision Blizzard $69B merger

Associated Press  

The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday sued to block Microsoft’s planned $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard, saying it could suppress competitors to Microsoft’s Xbox game console and its growing games subscription business. “Microsoft has already shown that it can and will withhold content from its gaming rivals,” said a prepared statement from Holly Vedova, director of …

FTC sues to block the $69 billion Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger
2 years, 3 months ago

FTC sues to block the $69 billion Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger

NPR  

FTC sues to block the $69 billion Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger Enlarge this image toggle caption Jae C. Hong/AP Jae C. Hong/AP The Federal Trade Commission said Thursday it is suing to block Microsoft's planned $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard, saying it could suppress competitors to its Xbox game consoles and its growing games subscription business. Sponsor …

FTC chair issues a warning shot to the tech industry
2 years, 9 months ago

FTC chair issues a warning shot to the tech industry

CNN  

CNN Business — The Federal Trade Commission is keeping a close eye on Big Tech as the industry expands into newer technologies such as artificial intelligence and the metaverse. In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, FTC Chair Lina Khan said regulators risk “fighting yesterday’s war” if they fail to comprehend how tech giants might take advantage of societal technology …

Antitrust investigation of Amazon accelerates under new FTC boss
2 years, 9 months ago

Antitrust investigation of Amazon accelerates under new FTC boss

LA Times  

Lina Khan at her Senate committee confirmation hearing. Lina Khan, who became chair of the agency last year, had made a name for herself with a groundbreaking legal paper on Amazon’s potential antitrust violations and has taken a personal interest in the investigation. Before joining the FTC from Columbia Law School, Khan worked as a staffer for the House Judiciary …

FTC to review Microsoft's $68.7 bln deal for Activision
3 years, 1 month ago

FTC to review Microsoft's $68.7 bln deal for Activision

The Hindu  

The U.S. antitrust review of Microsoft Corp's $68.7 billion proposed acquisition of "Call ofDuty" maker Activision Blizzard Inc will be handled by the Federal Trade Commission, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing a person familiar with the matter. Days later, the FTC voted unanimously to sue to block arms maker Lockheed Martin's proposed $4.4 billion purchase of rocket engine maker …

U.S. FTC meeting will scrutinize Big Tech's small deals
3 years, 6 months ago

U.S. FTC meeting will scrutinize Big Tech's small deals

The Hindu  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission will hold its next open meeting on Sept. 15 to hear staff findings on deals that Big Tech firms like Facebook and Apple make which are sometimes too small to spark antitrust scrutiny, the agency said on Wednesday. The staff report will include Big Tech acquisitions from 2010 to 2019, some of which were not …

Facebook asks recusal of FTC head in antitrust case decision
3 years, 8 months ago

Facebook asks recusal of FTC head in antitrust case decision

The Hindu  

Facebook is asking that the new head of the Federal Trade Commission step away from decisions on whether to continue the agency's antitrust case against the social network giant, asserting that past public criticism of the company’s market power makes it impossible for her to be impartial. Facebook Inc. petitioned the agency Wednesday to remove Chair Lina Khan from taking …

FTC is concerned that Facebook's policies about how its apps interact violate antitrust law
5 years, 3 months ago

FTC is concerned that Facebook's policies about how its apps interact violate antitrust law

Firstpost  

FTC might ask a court to bar Facebook from enforcing policies regarding how its apps work with potential rivals. The US Federal Trade Commission is considering seeking a preliminary injunction against Facebook Inc because of concerns that policies about how its apps interact violate antitrust law, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. If …

States prepare to formally investigate tech industry, including Google
5 years, 6 months ago

States prepare to formally investigate tech industry, including Google

CNN  

Washington CNN Business — More than half of the country’s state attorneys general are readying an antitrust investigation into Google’s advertising practices, with an announcement of the probe set for next week in Washington, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. “We continue to work constructively with regulators, including attorneys general, in answering questions about our business and the …

Justice Department launches antitrust probe of Big Tech
5 years, 8 months ago

Justice Department launches antitrust probe of Big Tech

LA Times  

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg appears before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee on April 10, 2018, on Capitol Hill. The U.S. Department of Justice opened a sweeping antitrust investigation of big technology companies and whether their online platforms have hurt competition, suppressed innovation or otherwise harmed consumers. It comes as a growing number of …

Amazon to fall under FTC for anti-trust related cases
5 years, 9 months ago

Amazon to fall under FTC for anti-trust related cases

India TV News  

Following an agreement between the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, e-commerce giant Amazon could fall under FTC's jurisdiction on anti-trust subjects. Also, read: Xiaomi Poco F1 gets a price cut which indicated Poco F2 launch soon According to The Washington Post, this "kind of arrangement brokered between the DOJ and the FTC typically presages more serious antitrust …

FTC Closes Google Antitrust Investigation Without Penalties
12 years, 2 months ago

FTC Closes Google Antitrust Investigation Without Penalties

NPR  

FTC Closes Google Antitrust Investigation Without Penalties An antitrust probe of Google by the Federal Trade Commission has ended. The search giant avoided any financial penalties, and the FTC's move is widely seen as a victory for Google. For Google, the biggest treat to its business was that the FTC might decide to bring a formal antitrust case against Google …

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