Opera files a formal complaint with a Brazilian regulator, alleging that Microsoft is discouraging Windows users from trying other browsers.
Opera claims Microsoft is using “anticompetitive practices” to force Windows users to stick with the Edge browser.
“Microsoft’s tactics are unjustified, frustrating to users, and only getting more severe,” Norway-based Opera alleged on Tuesday.
The company filed a petition with Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), though it claims the problem affects users globally. At issue is Microsoft’s long-standing practice of preinstalling Edge and making it the default browser on Windows devices.
« In addition, the complaint challenges Microsoft’s multiple manipulative design tactics or ‘dark patterns’ that steer Windows PC users away from alternative browsers and towards Edge, and make it difficult for users to change defaults,” Opera says.
