Did Microsoft Just Inadvertently Confirm It Uses Anticompetitive Practices?

Tech outlet The Verge accused Microsoft of “forcing” users into the tech giant’s own browser, targeting workarounds “even if their default browser is not [Microsoft] Edge.” 

According to The Verge, Microsoft is not only making it hard for users of Windows 11 to modify their default browsers but also blocking workaround apps like EdgeDeflector. According to The Verge a Microsoft statement appeared to confirm this anti-competitive behavior. Microsoft has reportedly consistently sought to force users of Windows 10 and Windows 11 into using only Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Bing, first with “Start menu search results, and now with the new Widget panel.”

Although initially believed to be an error, the blockage of EdgeDeflector caused by Windows 11 Preview was a problem. However, it will soon be fixed in a Windows 11 software update. “Microsoft has decided to prevent app developers from invoking microsoft-edge protocol links, which are now restricted to the Edge browser,” The Verge reported. A Microsoft spokesperson reportedly confirmed the deliberate nature of the company’s update.

The Verge quoted Microsoft as saying: “‘Windows openly enables applications and services on its platform, including various web browsers … At the same time, Windows also offers certain end-to-end customer experiences in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, the search experience from the taskbar is one such example of an end-to-end experience that is not designed to be redirected.’” The spokesperson added, “‘When we become aware of improper redirection, we issue a fix.’”

EdgeDeflector developer Daniel Aleksandersen seemed very upset with Windows 11 Beta 1 and Release Preview 2. “To fight back on this user-hostile development [from Microsoft], I developed EdgeDeflector in 2017,” Aleksandersen wrote in a blog. “These aren’t the actions of an attentive company that cares about its product anymore. Microsoft isn’t a good steward of the Windows operating system. They’re prioritizing ads, bundleware, and service subscriptions over their users’ productivity.”

Mozilla Firefox, which had developed its own workaround method with Microsoft Edge, is also reportedly dissatisfied with Microsoft’s latest move. “People deserve choice. They should have the ability to simply and easily set defaults and their choice of default browser should be respected,” said a Mozilla spokesperson, according to The Verge. Microsoft has faced a number of fines previously for “anti-competitive Internet Explorer bundling,” The Verge reported.

Companies in the tech sector have an illustrious history of anticompetitive conduct. Apple’s April App Store scandal was alleged by Apple business leaders. Fifty attorneys general also announced a probe into Google’s alleged anticompetitive practices and nine attorneys general launched a probe into Facebook to investigate similar allegations in 2019.

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