An investigation released Tuesday by the non-profit National Labor Committee reported that Microsoft's hardware division has been contracting with a factory in China that recruits teenagers as young as 14 who work under abusive conditions in 15-hour daily shifts for as little as 52 cents an hour, after deductions for factory food.

Those were just some of the allegations of abusive child labor practice in the NLC report, which includes photos and other details from inside the KYE factory, based on the extensive investigation. In a statement this morning, Microsoft said it's looking into the situation based on the NLC investigation. The factory makes Microsoft mice, the NLC reported.

"Microsoft is committed to the fair treatment and safety of workers employed by our vendors. Microsoft has invested heavily in a vendor accountability program and robust independent third-party auditing program to ensure conformance to the Microsoft Vendor Code of Conduct," a company spokesman said in a statement.

"We are aware of the NLC report and we have commenced an investigation," he added. "We take these claims seriously, and we will take appropriate remedial measures in regard to any findings of vendor misconduct."

More background on the National Labor Committee and its previous investigations available here.