(Recasts with information from the antitrust body)
SAO PAULO, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Brazil’s antitrust body Cade opened an administrative investigation into the Brazilian unit of Microsoft (MSFT.O) related to its cloud computing services, a document issued on Friday by the regulator showed.
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<li>There are signs that Microsoft could be “taking advantage of its dominant position” to control the conditions of the use of its products, according to Cade.</li>
<li>The practice, based on the company’s global policies, would create artificial barriers to competitors, Cade said.</li>
<li>If evidence of economic violations is presented, it may be classified as illegal competition and could pose a violation of Brazilian law, it added.</li>
<li>The company was summoned to comment on the facts described by Cade.</li>
<li>Regulators in Britain, Europe and the U.S. have separately begun examining Microsoft and others’ practices in relation to cloud computing.</li>
<li>Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</li>
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Brazil's antitrust body, Cade, has launched an investigation into Microsoft's Brazilian unit concerning its cloud computing services. The regulator suspects that Microsoft may be exploiting its dominant market position to impose conditions that hinder competition, potentially violating Brazilian law. Cade has summoned Microsoft for comments on these allegations. This investigation follows similar scrutiny from regulators in the UK, Europe, and the US regarding cloud computing practices.

- Brazil's antitrust body, Cade, has initiated an administrative investigation into Microsoft's Brazilian unit regarding its cloud computing services.  
- The regulator asserts that Microsoft may be abusing its dominant market position, creating barriers for competitors through its global policies.  
- Should violations be confirmed, this could indicate illegal competition under Brazilian law, similar inquiries are also underway by regulators in the UK, Europe, and the U.S.

Brazil antitrust body opens investigation into Microsoft's cloud services