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How does the Redmond - based company promote its branded Edge and why does it infuriate other market players?
Mozilla accuses Microsoft of imposing its Edge browser on Windows users using so — called "dark patterns" - elements of the operating system's design that encourage users to take certain actions. It is noteworthy that Mozilla has previously made similar accusations against the company from Redmond, but this hardly had any effect.
Mozilla's latest report, titled "Over The Edge," focuses on the Microsoft Edge browser and accuses "small-timers" of using manipulative design patterns that push users to make their preferred choices. Similar "dark patterns" are being used by other tech companies, including Amazon, despite laws designed to restrict such practices.
Mozilla is calling for regulatory action around the world to restore browser choice and competition across all major platforms. The European Digital Markets Act (DMA), designed to promote fair competition, is cited as an example of positive regulatory action.
Despite some movement in the right direction, improvements were incomplete and offered reluctantly, and only in markets where regulators forced platform owners to respect browser choices.
Mozilla believes that users should be able to download, install, and use any alternative browser on an ongoing basis. Without coercion, manipulation, or deception.
The Mozilla report highlights various manipulative interface patterns on the part of Microsoft, which are shown below for clarity.
"Switch to a Microsoft-recommended browser" — when searching for a new browser from the Windows search bar
"No need to download a new browser" — when searching for a new browser via Bing
Pop-up notification that Edge uses the same technologies as Chrome
"Before you switch, try the new fast Microsoft Edge browser designed specifically for Windows 10"
Mozilla notes that such manipulations can give the user a false sense of danger when trying to change the built-in browser, but of course there is no danger in this. The Firefox developer considers such tricks unjustified and potentially harmful to consumers, society and the market, and also calls on Microsoft to immediately stop using them.
At the time of publication, Microsoft has not publicly responded to Mozilla's report.
Mozilla accuses Microsoft of imposing its Edge browser on Windows users using so — called "dark patterns" - elements of the operating system's design that encourage users to take certain actions. It is noteworthy that Mozilla has previously made similar accusations against the company from Redmond, but this hardly had any effect.
Mozilla's latest report, titled "Over The Edge," focuses on the Microsoft Edge browser and accuses "small-timers" of using manipulative design patterns that push users to make their preferred choices. Similar "dark patterns" are being used by other tech companies, including Amazon, despite laws designed to restrict such practices.
Mozilla is calling for regulatory action around the world to restore browser choice and competition across all major platforms. The European Digital Markets Act (DMA), designed to promote fair competition, is cited as an example of positive regulatory action.
Despite some movement in the right direction, improvements were incomplete and offered reluctantly, and only in markets where regulators forced platform owners to respect browser choices.
Mozilla believes that users should be able to download, install, and use any alternative browser on an ongoing basis. Without coercion, manipulation, or deception.
The Mozilla report highlights various manipulative interface patterns on the part of Microsoft, which are shown below for clarity.
"Switch to a Microsoft-recommended browser" — when searching for a new browser from the Windows search bar
"No need to download a new browser" — when searching for a new browser via Bing
Pop-up notification that Edge uses the same technologies as Chrome
"Before you switch, try the new fast Microsoft Edge browser designed specifically for Windows 10"
Mozilla notes that such manipulations can give the user a false sense of danger when trying to change the built-in browser, but of course there is no danger in this. The Firefox developer considers such tricks unjustified and potentially harmful to consumers, society and the market, and also calls on Microsoft to immediately stop using them.
At the time of publication, Microsoft has not publicly responded to Mozilla's report.
