China: Microsoft in ‘monopoly’ probe

China’s State Administration of Industry and Commerce has deepened its antitrust investigation into US tech giant Microsoft, more than 17 months after the probe was launched in 2014.

The SAIC has asked the company and its top executives in the Greater China region to explain “relevant major issues” regarding data acquired since the start of the anti-monopoly probe, a January 5 statement confirmed.

The software giant responded by reiterating its commitment to complying with China’s laws and addressing SAIC’s questions and concerns, China Daily reported.

China has stepped up its antitrust efforts against foreign companies in recent years.

It fined semiconductor maker Qualcomm US$975m in 2015 and banned the use of Microsoft’s Windows 8 on government-related systems in mid-2014, Market Realistreports.

The increased instances of antitrust measures has seen the government hit with accusations that their use is merely to protect domestic businesses.

Full content: The Economic Times

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