Google and Opera Join Forces Against Microsoft Over Browser Restrictions
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In a bold move, companies like Google, Opera, and Vivaldi have teamed up to form the Browser Choice Alliance, alleging that Microsoft is unfairly limiting users' browser options on Windows.
The Alliance claims that Microsoft employs sneaky tactics—referred to as "dark patterns"—to push users toward its own Edge browser. These include making it unnecessarily difficult to download alternative browsers, resetting the default browser to Edge during updates, and forcing links from its own apps, like Outlook and Teams, to open in Edge, even when users have chosen a different default.
This isn’t just about inconvenience; the Alliance argues it's a direct challenge to user choice and competition. They’re asking the EU’s European Commission to officially recognize Edge as a "gatekeeper" under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which would subject Microsoft to stricter regulations. Opera, one of the Alliance’s members, had already appealed the EU’s earlier decision to avoid this classification in July 2024. Similarly, Vivaldi had raised alarms in 2023, accusing Microsoft of using unfair practices to protect Edge.
A Call for Change Amid Unease
The Alliance highlights an unsettling issue: some companies support their cause but remain silent out of fear. These firms worry Microsoft might retaliate through smear campaigns or other underhanded tactics. To address this, the Browser Choice Alliance promises to protect the identities of those who come forward.
Interestingly, notable players like Mozilla (the maker of Firefox) and Brave are absent from the Alliance's member list, though both have been vocal about promoting browser competition in the past. When contacted, Mozilla didn’t immediately comment on the situation.
The Bigger Picture
Browser usage stats underscore the stakes in this battle. As of October 2024, Google Chrome dominates the market with a massive 65.2% share across both desktop and mobile. Microsoft Edge lags significantly behind at 5.2% overall, though its desktop market share climbs to nearly 15.7%, surpassing Apple’s Safari at 7.9%.
For Google, the Alliance serves as a defensive strategy to maintain Chrome’s market dominance and curb Microsoft’s use of Windows to chip away at its lead. But for smaller players like Opera (holding just 2% desktop share) and Vivaldi, this fight is about survival. Without fair competition, they face an uphill battle to attract users and grow their market share.
The Browser Choice Alliance is determined to ensure that users—not operating systems—decide which browser they use. Whether this coalition can successfully push for change remains to be seen, but it’s clear they’re not backing down anytime soon.
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