Opera has lodged a formal complaint with Brazilian competition authorities, accusing Microsoft of engaging in anti-competitive practices that steer users towards its web browser, Microsoft Edge. The Norwegian browser company argues that Microsoft’s tactics in the Windows operating system undermine user choice and suppress fair competition.
Microsoft accused of manipulating browser choices
Over the years, Microsoft has been criticised for its aggressive attempts to maintain dominance in the browser market through Windows. Opera claims the company has employed a range of methods that effectively nudge users toward Edge, including overriding default browser preferences and using pop-ups resembling malware to discourage switching.
“Microsoft thwarts browser competition on Windows at every turn,” said Aaron McParlan, general counsel at Opera. “First, browsers like Opera are locked out of important preinstallation opportunities. And then Microsoft frustrates users’ ability to download and use alternative browsers.”
The complaint highlights several specific issues. These include Microsoft overriding user settings by forcing links and PDFs to open in Edge via Outlook, Teams, and other Windows features such as Search and Widgets. Opera also points to persistent banners within Edge that aim to deter users from downloading rival browsers, even when users are actively searching for those alternatives.
Brazil’s complaint is part of a global campaign
Opera’s decision to file the complaint in Brazil reflects the country’s importance to the company. “Opera is already a major success in Brazil: it is the third most popular browser in Brazil and has millions of loyal users who actively choose it, despite Microsoft’s tactics,” McParlan said. “The complaint, which concerns practices implemented globally by Microsoft, presents an opportunity for Brazil to be a leader on this international issue.”
If successful, Opera is calling for specific remedies. These include allowing PC manufacturers to preinstall alternative browsers as defaults, ending what it describes as Microsoft’s “dark patterns” that guide users toward Edge, and halting barriers that prevent consumers from easily downloading competing browsers. Opera also criticises Microsoft’s requirement for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to deliver devices in S mode in exchange for rebates on Windows licences—another policy it wants outlawed.
The history of browser disputes continues
This is not the first time Opera has challenged Microsoft over browser practices. In 2007, the company filed a complaint with the European Union, which resulted in the introduction of a browser ballot screen in Windows. This screen allowed users to select from a range of web browsers instead of defaulting to Internet Explorer. Although the ballot was required for five years, Microsoft was fined US$730 million in 2013 for failing to include it in Windows 7 Service Pack 1.
The latest action in Brazil is part of Opera’s broader efforts to confront Microsoft’s behaviour globally. Last year, the company unsuccessfully contested the European Commission’s decision not to label Microsoft Edge a “gatekeeper” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Although Microsoft avoided the designation, it was still required to make changes to Windows in EU markets. These changes included reducing aggressive prompts and encouraging users to switch to Edge.
“We believe that Microsoft’s conduct, including the changes that it has announced in Europe, is insufficient to attain effective compliance with the DMA,” McParlan added. “In this context, and as part of its global efforts to ensure free and effective consumer choice, Opera has appealed before the EU Courts the European Commission’s decision not to designate Edge as a ‘gatekeeper’ service under the DMA.”
Adding further controversy, Microsoft was caught earlier this year simulating Google’s user interface in Bing, making it appear as if users were searching via Google. The interface featured a custom search bar, Google-style doodles, and a layout that mimicked Google’s design. Microsoft quickly removed the feature once it was discovered.
Opera’s latest complaint signals an ongoing battle between browser companies and dominant operating system providers, as the push for open competition and user autonomy continues to unfold worldwide.
