US investigates Microsoft for bribery in China

US authorities are investigating accusations that Microsoft (MSFT.NASDAQ) bribed government officials in China and other countries in exchange for business, The New York Times reported, citing an anonymous source. The US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department have launched a preliminary investigation into Microsoft for potentially violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a 1977 law banning American companies from bribing officals abroad, in China, Italy and Romania. A Microsoft representative said in a blog post that the company could not comment on the matter. “We take all allegations brought to our attention seriously and we cooperate fully in any government inquiries,” the post stated.