A U.S. Senator has formally urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to open an investigation into Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of “gross cybersecurity negligence” that allegedly compromised sensitive government data. The call comes after a series of high-profile breaches tied to Microsoft’s cloud and email services, which critics argue exposed national security vulnerabilities.
Demand for Accountability
Lawmakers have intensified scrutiny on Microsoft following reports that state-sponsored hackers exploited weaknesses in the company’s systems. The Senator emphasized that such failures not only undermine trust in Microsoft’s products but also pose a direct threat to U.S. national security. In the letter to the FTC, the Senator argued that Microsoft may have violated consumer protection laws by failing to implement adequate safeguards.
FTC’s Potential Role
If the FTC moves forward, it could examine whether Microsoft misled customers about the security of its products or failed to disclose risks that left users exposed. The agency has the authority to levy penalties, mandate new compliance measures, or enforce stricter cybersecurity protocols.
Industry and Government Repercussions
The push for investigation comes at a time when Microsoft is already under pressure from federal agencies to bolster its security infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have previously flagged deficiencies in Microsoft’s response to cyber incidents. An FTC probe could also reshape how major technology firms are held accountable for cybersecurity lapses.
Microsoft’s Response
While Microsoft has not issued a formal comment regarding the Senator’s request, the company has previously pledged to invest billions in improving its cybersecurity defenses and vowed to work closely with U.S. agencies. However, critics argue these promises are reactive rather than proactive, leaving key systems vulnerable to repeated attacks.