Several browser developers, including Vivaldi, Waterfox, and Wavebox, are calling on the European Commission to rethink its decision to exclude Microsoft Edge from the stringent Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. Their latest appeal comes in support of a similar request made by Opera earlier, reflecting growing frustration within the industry over what they see as an uneven playing field.
The group contends that Windows users face challenges when attempting to switch from Edge to other browsers. They argue that Microsoft’s tactics—ranging from persistent pop-up messages to technical restrictions—make it harder for consumers to choose alternatives. These developers are now pushing for the EU to enforce the same rules on Windows that are already in place for mobile platforms like Android and iOS.
Windows as a Key Gateway for Browser Competition
The core of the issue lies in Microsoft’s control over the Windows operating system, which remains one of the primary ways users access third-party browsers. In a letter shared with The Register, the coalition of browser makers criticizes the European Commission’s decision to leave Edge out of the “core platform service” category, which would subject it to more stringent regulations under the DMA.
Under the DMA, which came into force in September 2023, the EU mandated that 22 services from six leading tech firms, including Google and Microsoft, must abide by new rules intended to level the playing field. Under the terminology of the law, controlling big tech platforms are called “gatekeepers”.
These are platforms that have a huge impact on the EU’s internal market and serve as intermediaries for millions of users and businesses. Europe’s historic regulation, revealed by the EU Commission, targets Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and ByteDance, acknowledging their substantial influence within the digital sphere.
According to the letter, Microsoft uses its control over Windows to promote its own browser aggressively, at the expense of others. The group claims that the lack of a browser choice screen on Windows PCs limits user access to competitors, a problem they say has already been addressed on mobile operating systems. They argue that this discrepancy needs to be resolved if the DMA’s goal of fair competition is to be realized.
Microsoft’s Tactics Face Scrutiny
While Microsoft has introduced an option for EU users to uninstall Edge in Windows 10 and 11, this change does not extend beyond Europe, leaving others to either tolerate Edge or use unofficial methods to remove it. The coalition insists that stricter regulations are needed to prevent Microsoft from using its dominance in the desktop space to limit browser choice.
Vivaldi CEO Jon von Tetzchner has been particularly vocal, calling the European Commission’s decision a missed opportunity to level the playing field. “Microsoft continues to give Edge preferential treatment, and this puts competitors at a disadvantage,” he said, pointing to similar findings from Germany’s competition authority.
Despite its aggressive promotion, Microsoft Edge holds a relatively small share of the desktop browser market—just over 5%, according to data from Statcounter. While its market share rises to nearly 14% when considering desktop users alone, Edge still trails far behind its rival, Google Chrome.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:37 pm CET
