Microsoft Edge tactics disputed by Mozilla: The fight for fair browser competition
The details are outlined by Mozilla itself, which anticipates fair competition in the browser market and does not view Microsoft's actions as fair play. In a comprehensive explanation in a PDF document developed by independent experts at the request of Firefox's originators, we find examples of notifications in Bing that recommend further use of Edge when downloading a competitive program or effectively deterring users from altering the default browser, a situation familiar to every Windows 10 or 11 user.
We have previously highlighted Microsoft's disputed practices associated with promoting Edge. Last year, the browser was aggressively advertised in the Start menu for a short period, a move swiftly retracted by Microsoft. Recently, plans were exposed to open links from Teams and Outlook through Edge, which occurred irrespective of the default browser system settings.
Furthermore, after a fresh installation, Edge is the default software for opening PDF files in Windows, though this may be understandable to some. Researchers also spotlighted the mandatory Microsoft process of "finalising computer configuration", which sometimes pops up on the Windows screen. The system then invites the user to review a few critical settings, including "Microsoft recommended default browser settings".
Unsurprisingly, these invariably end with a suggestion to set Edge as the default browser. If the user opts differently, further prompts may appear in the Windows settings. In the European Union, many of these practices are governed by the Digital Markets Act, commonly referred to as DMA. Still, Mozilla argues that this remains an issue in other markets, hence the appeal for implementing similar regulations worldwide.
We can assume that the suggestion of a particular browser choice particularly influences the decisions of less experienced users who are unfamiliar with the broader market and who are potentially concerned about choosing an app other than the system's recommendation for fear of future issues in its use. This is not based on factual circumstances.
