Opera has formally filed a competition complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, alleging that the tech giant employs anti-competitive practices to promote its Edge browser over alternatives. The complaint highlights what Opera characterizes as “manipulative design tactics” that inhibit user choice and stifle competition within the browser market.
According to Aaron McParlan, general counsel at Opera, Microsoft’s actions “thwart browser competition on Windows at every turn.” The complaint outlines several tactics Microsoft allegedly uses to enforce its dominance. These include modifying download sites for Chrome and employing intrusive pop-ups that resemble malware to discourage users from selecting alternative browsers.
Allegations of Anti-Competitive Behavior
Opera claims that Microsoft systematically ignores users’ default browser settings. For instance, links opened in applications like Outlook and Teams, as well as features such as Windows Search and Widgets, default to Edge, regardless of user preferences. Furthermore, Opera alleges that Microsoft displays “obtrusive banners and messages” aimed at dissuading users from downloading competing browsers at critical moments, such as when they are actively searching for alternatives.
The choice to file this complaint in Brazil is strategic, as the country serves as one of Opera’s key markets. McParlan stated, “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.” The complaint seeks remedies that include allowing PC manufacturers to preload alternative browsers, ceasing the blocking of downloads for other browsers, and eliminating “dark patterns” that push users towards Edge.
Broader Implications and Previous Efforts
Opera’s complaint is part of a larger effort to challenge Microsoft’s practices on a global scale. The company had previously contested the European Union’s decision not to classify Microsoft Edge as a gatekeeper under its Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules. While Microsoft avoided this designation, it had to make adjustments in EU markets, such as reducing the frequency of prompts encouraging users to switch to Edge.
McParlan expressed concerns regarding Microsoft’s compliance with the DMA, asserting that the changes announced in Europe have not been sufficient. “We believe that Microsoft’s conduct, including the changes that it has announced in Europe, are insufficient to attain effective compliance with the DMA,” he remarked. As part of its ongoing global strategy, Opera has appealed to the EU courts regarding the Commission’s decision.
Historically, Opera has been vocal about its grievances against Microsoft’s browser practices. The company initially filed an antitrust complaint with the EU in 2007, which eventually resulted in the creation of a browser ballot screen. This allowed users to select from the twelve most popular browsers instead of defaulting to Internet Explorer. Although Microsoft was required to maintain this ballot for five years, it was fined $730 million in 2013 for not including the ballot in Windows 7 Service Pack 1.
The competition complaint filed by Opera suggests a renewed commitment to ensuring user choice in the browser market. It underscores ongoing tensions between industry players and raises questions about the extent to which a single company can dictate market preferences through design and operational strategies. As this case unfolds in Brazil, it may set a precedent for similar actions in other jurisdictions, further impacting the dynamics of the global browser landscape.