John Lopatka, a previous specialist to the FTC who now teaches antitrust law at Penn State, informed ProPublica that the Microsoft actions detailed in the news company’s current reporting followed “a really familiar pattern” of habits.

“It does echo the Microsoft case” from years back, stated Lopatka, who co-authored a book on that case.

In the brand-new examination, the FTC has actually sent out Microsoft a civil investigative need, the company’s variation of a subpoena, engaging the business to turn over details, individuals knowledgeable about the probe stated. Microsoft validated that it got the file.

Business representative David Cuddy did not talk about the specifics of the examination however stated the FTC’s need is “broad, wide variety, and demands things that run out the world of possibility to even be sensible.” He decreased to supply on-the-record examples. The FTC decreased to comment.

The firm’s examination follows a public remark duration in 2023 throughout which it inquired on business practices of cloud computing suppliers. When that concluded, the FTC stated it had continuous interest in whether “specific company practices are hindering competitors.”

The current need to Microsoft represents among FTC Commissioner Lina Khan’s last relocations as chair, and the probe seems getting steam as the Biden administration unwind. The commission’s brand-new management, nevertheless, will choose the future of the examination.

President-elect Donald Trump stated this month that he will raise Commissioner Andrew Ferguson, a Republican lawyer, to lead the firm. Following the statement, Ferguson stated in a post on X, “At the FTC, we will end Big Tech’s vendetta versus competitors and complimentary speech. We will make certain that America is the world’s technological leader and the very best location for innovators to bring originalities to life.”

Trump likewise stated he would choose Republican attorney Mark Meador as a commissioner, explaining him as an “antitrust enforcer” who formerly operated at the FTC and the Justice Department. Meador is likewise a previous assistant to Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican who presented legislation to separate Google.

Doris Burke contributed research study.

This story initially appeared on ProPublica.