Microsoft facing Chinese antitrust probe over Media Player & IE distribution

Microsoft is facing the prospect of a fresh antitrust probe in China over the way it distributes its Media Player and Internet Explorer software.

News of the investigation was confirmed by Chinese state officials earlier today, who also revealed the way in which the software giant sells its Windows and Office offerings will be looked into as well.

It is thought to be the ninth antitrust investigation the Chinese government has opened this year, which have involved players from the software, tobacco, telecommunications, insurance, tourism and utilities markets.

Zhang Mao, chief of China's state administration for Industry and Commerce, said in a briefing attended by the Wall Street Journal: "Microsoft is suspected of incomplete disclosure of information related to Windows and Office software, as well as problems in distribution and sales of its media player and browser."

At the time of writing, Microsoft hadn't released an official comment about the investigation, but has previously stated in similar situations that it would fully cooperate with proceedings.

"It is still too early to say what the results of the investigation will be," said Zhang. "But no matter what, companies must obey Chinese laws."

The investigation follows on from a series of inspections at Microsoft offices in China. This resulted in the State Administration for Industry and Commerce in China confirming last month the vendor was being investigated over allegations it was monopolising the software market.

This case centred on the firm's alleged "anti-competitive" distribution of Office and Windows.