Microsoft Accused of Using Windows Dominance to Favor Edge

Microsoft has been accused of using its dominance in the Windows operating system to push users towards its Edge browser, forcing them to make choices they may not otherwise make.

The Browser Choice Alliance, a coalition of browser developers including Google and Opera, sent an open letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella accusing the company of anticompetitive practices.

According to the alliance, Microsoft uses 'dark patterns' to manipulate users into using Edge as their default search engine Bing, directly changing where consumers see ads.

The alliance demands that Microsoft end financial coercion of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), forced software bundling, and the use of dark patterns to override user browser preferences.