Browser makers including Google, Opera, and Vivaldi have joined forces to tackle what they call Microsoft’s “anti-competitive practices” with its Edge browser.
The Browser Choice Alliance accuses Microsoft of using its dominance in the Windows operating system to coerce users into sticking with Edge, often at the expense of user choice. The group has petitioned the European Union to designate Microsoft Edge as a “gatekeeper” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a move that could reshape the browser market.
“For a long time, Vivaldi has publicly called out Microsoft for its dirty tricks to undermine consumer choice. Independent browsers like us simply cannot compete fairly with Edge when it is so heavily preferenced in Windows. Regulators need to intervene urgently,” says Vivaldi-CEO Jon von Tetzchner. The coalition’s demands, if met, could impose stricter regulations on Microsoft and potentially disrupt its strategy to expand Edge’s market share.
The Browser Choice Alliance has launched.
It’s a coalition of browsers (Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, and others) against Microsoft and their Edge browser dark patterns to avoid full browser competition on Windows PCs. pic.twitter.com/ls4uBkHWtw
— Maximiliano Firtman (@firt) November 26, 2024
How Microsoft Edge Became the Focus of the Alliance
The Browser Choice Alliance claims that Microsoft’s approach to promoting Edge crosses ethical boundaries, citing specific practices like resetting user-selected browser defaults during system updates and routing hyperlinks from Microsoft services like Teams and Outlook exclusively through Edge. These methods are bolstered by what critics call “dark patterns”—interface designs that subtly nudge users toward decisions they might not make voluntarily.
A particularly contentious issue involves Windows 11’s process for setting default applications. In earlier Windows 11 versions users had to individually assign a browser to handle specific file types and protocols, a process that deters casual users from switching away from Edge. Facing criticism, Microsoft later added a one-click solution, but is hiding it quite deeply inside Windows 11 settings.
Additionally, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, a security feature designed to flag malicious downloads, has been criticized for warning users against downloading legitimate competitor browsers, reinforcing Edge’s perceived safety.
The Role of the Digital Markets Act
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to curb monopolistic practices by designating dominant companies as “gatekeepers” and imposing obligations on them to ensure fair competition. While companies like Google and Apple have been flagged, the European Commission notably excluded Microsoft Edge during its initial evaluations—a decision the Browser Choice Alliance seeks to overturn.
If Edge were designated as a gatekeeper, Microsoft would be required to make default browser settings more accessible, ensure interoperability with competing products, and eliminate any preferential treatment for its own browser.
“For almost 30 years, Opera has been defending open standards and fair access to the technology that benefits our users. User choice is an integral part of a free and open web, and this freedom must be preserved. That’s why we are adding our voice to the Browser Choice Alliance,” said Opera EVP Krystian Kolondra.
Despite its broad industry support, the Alliance has faced criticism for its composition. Mozilla Firefox and Brave, two notable browser competitors, declined to join. Industry insiders suggest that smaller companies fear retaliation from Microsoft, though the Alliance hinted at private support from undisclosed stakeholders.
Microsoft has defended its practices by arguing that integrating Edge with its ecosystem provides users with a seamless experience. However, critics argue this comes at the expense of fairness and transparency, as the company’s approach to promoting Edge relies on leveraging its Windows dominance.
Microsoft’s practices echo broader antitrust concerns raised globally. In the U.S., Google’s default search engine agreements have come under fire for allegedly discouraging competition, while the Department of Justice has scrutinized Microsoft for potential monopolistic tendencies. These cases highlight how defaults play a significant role in user behavior—most users rarely change default settings unless actively prompted.
Implications for the Future
The Alliance’s push for stricter regulations on Microsoft Edge could have far-reaching implications for the browser market. If successful, their efforts may level the playing field for independent browsers, fostering greater innovation and user choice. However, this case also raises broader questions about the role of regulation in tech and the responsibilities of dominant companies in ensuring fair competition.
As the European Commission reviews the Alliance’s petition, the debate underscores the tension between corporate strategy and consumer rights in the digital age. The outcome could redefine not only how browsers compete but also how tech giants are held accountable for their practices.
