The Browser Choice Alliance (BCA), comprising leading browser developers, has accused Microsoft of restricting users’ ability to choose alternative web browsers. According to the BCA, Windows continually redirects users to Microsoft Edge, despite the availability of other viable options.
The BCA represents developers like Opera, Vivaldi, Wavebox, Waterfox, and Google, which created Chrome—the most popular browser on Windows. The alliance has formally appealed to the European Commission, urging it to classify Microsoft Edge as a “Gatekeeper” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This designation would compel Microsoft to enhance browser choice for Windows users.
Allegations of Manipulative Practices
The BCA claims Microsoft employs tactics like dark patterns (manipulative interface designs), technical barriers, and misleading methods to dissuade users from switching browsers. For example, Microsoft has reportedly altered Windows settings mechanisms, making it harder to set other browsers as default. Pop-ups, warnings, and confusing steps are used to discourage alternatives. Additionally, searches for competing browsers on Bing often lead users back to Edge.
Such practices, according to the alliance, degrade the user experience and complicate default browser settings. The BCA argues that these limitations harm the web browser ecosystem, which remains crucial for accessing essential online services and tools, including artificial intelligence.
The Broader Impact on Competition
Despite the rise of mobile apps and evolving technologies, web browsers remain vital for education, business, and everyday online activities. The BCA emphasizes the need for fair competition in the desktop operating system market, where Microsoft still controls over 70% of the global share.
NIXsolutions notes that Mozilla, the developer of Firefox, is absent from the BCA. Meanwhile, Google, whose Chrome browser dominates the market, appears to use its presence in the alliance to shift focus away from its own monopoly concerns. Recently, the U.S. government even demanded Google divest Chrome to address its search dominance.
The BCA continues its efforts to advocate for fairness in browser competition, and we’ll keep you updated as developments unfold.