The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) conducted an on-site inspection of Microsoft’s Japanese subsidiary on February 25, 2026. Regulators are investigating suspected violations of antitrust laws regarding the company's cloud computing practices.
The probe centers on allegations that Microsoft unfairly hinders clients from using rival cloud platforms, including Amazon and Google, for its software services. This investigation specifically focuses on the Azure cloud computing service.
Microsoft is suspected of making popular software, such as Microsoft 365, Word, and the Teams app, inaccessible on competing cloud servers. The company also allegedly charges higher fees for the use of these applications on rival platforms.
A Microsoft spokesperson stated the company is fully cooperating with the JFTC’s requests.