Opera has Filed an Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft
Opera has filed an official competition complaint in Brazil, accusing Microsoft of using “manipulative design tactics” to promote its Edge browser. According to the company, Microsoft continues to employ various strategies to steer users away from choosing alternative browsers like Opera.
Aaron McParlan, general counsel at Opera, states, “Microsoft thwarts browser competition on Windows at every turn. First, browsers like Opera are locked out of important preinstallation opportunities. And then Microsoft frustrates users’ ability to download and use alternative browsers.“
Opera claims Microsoft overrides user preferences in multiple ways. For example, links in Outlook, Teams, and features like Windows Search or Widgets often open in Edge, even when users set a different default browser. Moreover, Opera points out that Microsoft deploys banners and messages designed to discourage users from switching browsers especially while they’re actively searching for alternatives.
Opera filed the complaint in Brazil, one of its largest markets. “Opera is already a major success in Brazil: it is the third most popular browser in Brazil and has millions of loyal users in Brazil who actively choose it, despite Microsoft’s tactics,” McParlan says. The company hopes Brazil’s regulators will take a leadership role on this global issue.
Seeking Regulatory Intervention and Fair Access
Opera’s complaint doesn’t stop at documenting user experience issues. It also proposes actionable remedies. These include allowing PC manufacturers to preload competing browsers, preventing Microsoft from obstructing browser downloads, and eliminating “dark patterns” that push users toward Edge.
One additional allegation claims that Microsoft pressures PC makers by tying rebates on Windows licenses to delivering devices in “S mode.” This restricted mode limits users’ ability to install non-Microsoft apps, making it harder for them to switch away from Edge.
Although the Brazilian competition authority will oversee the complaint, Opera’s campaign has international implications. This isn’t the first time Opera has challenged Microsoft. The company also appealed the European Commission’s decision last year not to label Edge as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). While Microsoft avoided that designation, it was still forced to adjust some Windows behaviors in EU markets.
“We believe that Microsoft’s conduct, including the changes that it has announced in Europe, are insufficient to attain effective compliance with the DMA,” McParlan says. “In this context, and as part of its global efforts to ensure free and effective consumer choice, Opera has appealed before the EU Courts the European Commission’s decision not to designate Edge as a ‘gatekeeper’ service under the DMA.”
A Long History of Browser Disputes
This latest complaint echoes Opera’s long-standing concerns with Microsoft’s tactics. Back in 2007, Opera filed a similar case in the EU, which led to the browser ballot screen. That screen allowed users to choose from a list of popular browsers instead of defaulting to Internet Explorer. Microsoft later failed to maintain that ballot in Windows 7 Service Pack 1, resulting in a $730 million fine in 2013.
Microsoft’s more recent efforts have also raised eyebrows. Earlier this year, the company crafted a spoofed version of Google’s search interface to trick Bing users into thinking they were using Google. That design included a custom search bar, a logo resembling the Google Doodle, and other visual elements. Once users caught on, Microsoft quickly withdrew the imitation.
Opera’s move in Brazil is just one piece of its broader effort to hold Microsoft accountable for what it sees as unfair practices. By bringing this issue to regulators around the world, Opera aims to ensure consumers can freely choose the browser they want without interference.
