Browser Alliance is accusing Microsoft of limiting user choice with Edge browser

Browser Alliance accuses Microsoft of limiting choice with Edge browser.

: Browser Choice Alliance (BCA) accuses Microsoft of restricting user choice by promoting its Edge browser. They claim Microsoft uses deceptive tactics to deter users from adopting alternatives. The BCA, including Opera and Google, pushes for Edge to be a 'Gatekeeper' under EU law. Despite these claims, notable browsers like Firefox are not part of BCA.

The Browser Choice Alliance (BCA) alleges that Microsoft is limiting the choices available to users by employing various tactics to promote its Edge browser. Since 2015, Microsoft Edge has been integrated into Windows installations, and despite being built on Chromium, Microsoft allegedly discourages the download and installation of third-party browsers.

Members of the BCA, including Opera, Vivaldi, Google, Wavebox, and Waterfox, have petitioned the European Commission to designate Microsoft Edge as a 'Gatekeeper' service under the Digital Markets Act. This would require Microsoft to offer more browser options to Windows users, challenging the technical restrictions and deceptive practices reportedly employed by Microsoft.

The Alliance also criticized how Microsoft's actions hamper the broader web ecosystem and published an infographic highlighting these claims. Despite this effort for fair competition, key independent developers like Mozilla's Firefox are not part of the BCA. Google's involvement comes despite its own issues with a search monopoly.

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