Mozilla report warns of harmful design and interference by Microsoft

• Google Chrome dominates the worldwide browser market with around 65% market share.

• Mozilla commissioned independent experts to investigate Microsoft's design practices.

• Microsoft repeatedly uses harmful design to influence users into using Edge.

A Microsoft logo is seen in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris

Reuters

This week, a serious warning was issued for Google Chrome users on Windows, and interestingly, it comes from one of Chrome's harshest critics. Google Chrome currently dominates the global browser market, holding nearly 65% market share, while Apple Safari trails behind with less than 20%. Other alternatives, including Microsoft Edge, are far behind. However, it appears that Microsoft is determined to change this status quo, especially since its Windows operating system has an even stronger hold on the desktop market.

According to a report sponsored by Mozilla, the developer of Firefox, Microsoft has been employing harmful design practices to influence users into using Edge, its own web browser. The report enlisted independent experts to investigate Microsoft's design practices across its core OS (Windows 10 and 11), Edge browser, and Bing search engine. The experts discovered patterns such as harmful preselection, visual interference, trick wording, and disguised ads that manipulate user choice of browsers. They also noted obstruction tactics to discourage users from switching to a different default browser and a refusal to switch default apps for various web-related file types.

It is worth mentioning that Mozilla is not a fan of Google Chrome either, as it has criticized Chrome's privacy protection and data collection practices. However, the report published by Mozilla focuses primarily on Chrome due to its overwhelming popularity among Windows users.

The report highlights certain instances where Microsoft disrupts the installation of Chrome on Windows devices. For instance, when users decide to install Chrome, Microsoft interrupts the process by claiming the security and privacy benefits of Edge. Moreover, during the Chrome download, promotional messages for Edge appear, potentially alarming users and convincing them to reconsider their browser choice. This aggressive approach repeats twice more during the user's journey to download Chrome. The report also points out other obstructive practices during the installation, such as surveys emphasizing the benefits of Edge and injecting ads into the Chrome installation page itself.

The researchers involved in the study further explored Microsoft's influence on search preferences. They noticed instances where users are encouraged to shift from Google's search engine to Microsoft Bing's within alternative browsers like Chrome. This manipulation assumes that the initial browser install was not deterred by Microsoft's tactics.

While Microsoft Edge currently holds a relatively minor market share, the report acknowledges that Windows remains the dominant operating system, meaning millions of Windows users have managed to bypass these practices and successfully install and use Chrome. Microsoft could argue that these practices do not unfairly skew the browser market or limit user choice. However, it should be noted that similar complaints about Microsoft's push toward Edge have been made previously.

This report by Mozilla is not an isolated claim, as other instances of Microsoft's efforts to promote Edge have been observed. Interestingly, Google has also been known to push users toward its own ecosystem and encourage Edge users to switch to Chrome. These practices reflect the ongoing competition between major players in the browser market.

In the context of recent developments, it is important to mention Europe's DMA (Digital Markets Act), which aims to disrupt gatekeepers and gateway platforms from engaging in such tactics. The goal is to allow for easy changes to default apps, facilitate competition for smaller players, and enable the uninstallation of built-in apps if desired.

Mozilla expressed hope that the implementation of DMA in the European Union would dismantle barriers to browser competition. However, they noted that improvements have been partial and reluctantly offered only in markets where regulators have compelled platform owners to make changes respecting browser choice. Mozilla argues that Microsoft's recent pledge to cease some actions forcing Edge on users who have opted for other browsers should be applied worldwide, rather than solely in the European Economic Area (EEA). In summary, Windows users worldwide continue to face constraints on their choices due to Microsoft's use of harmful design practices. Mozilla believes that regulatory intervention is needed globally to restore browser choice and competition across major platforms.

At the time of writing, Microsoft has not responded to the Mozilla report.