Mozilla Accuses Microsoft Of Unfair Practices In Pushing Use Of Edge Browser
The report highlights manipulative design patterns that coerce users into selecting Edge over alternative browsers.
This isn’t the first time Mozilla has raised such concerns, as
previous reports also addressed competitive barriers imposed by major
tech platforms.
previous reports also addressed competitive barriers imposed by major
tech platforms.
The focus on Microsoft Edge underscores alleged design tactics aimed
at limiting browser choice. Mozilla contends that such practices hinder
competition and undermine user autonomy.
at limiting browser choice. Mozilla contends that such practices hinder
competition and undermine user autonomy.
The report suggests that regulatory intervention, such as Europe’s
Digital Markets Act, is necessary to promote fair competition.
Digital Markets Act, is necessary to promote fair competition.
However, Mozilla notes that improvements in regulatory frameworks
have been slow and insufficient, with only partial concessions made in
response to regulatory pressure.
have been slow and insufficient, with only partial concessions made in
response to regulatory pressure.
Mozilla’s report identifies various manipulative interface patterns
employed by Microsoft, including “Confirmshaming,” “Forced Action,” and
“Visual Interference.”
employed by Microsoft, including “Confirmshaming,” “Forced Action,” and
“Visual Interference.”
Examples cited include Edge ads injected into the Chrome download page and Bing search results promoting Edge.
Such practices, according to Mozilla, undermine user trust and choice, potentially causing harm to consumers and the market.
This practice is nothing new for Microsoft which has been using such strategies for decades.
In the late 1990s, the U.S. government accused Microsoft of antitrust
behavior, alleging it tried to monopolize the PC market by engaging in
anticompetitive practices such as bundling its products and stifling
competition from rivals like Netscape and Java.
behavior, alleging it tried to monopolize the PC market by engaging in
anticompetitive practices such as bundling its products and stifling
competition from rivals like Netscape and Java.
Mozilla calls for an immediate cessation of these manipulative
tactics by Microsoft, urging respect for user choice and fair
competition.
tactics by Microsoft, urging respect for user choice and fair
competition.
