Microsoft Edge Excluded from EU Big Tech Rules

The European Union's General Court has upheld a decision that Microsoft Edge does not fall under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targets Big Tech companies. The ruling was made in response to an appeal by Norwegian web browser Opera, which had challenged a February 2024 decision by the European Commission.

The Commission determined that Edge's low usage in the overall web browser category meant it did not qualify as an 'important gateway for business users to reach end users.' The Court agreed with this assessment and dismissed Opera's appeal.

While Microsoft Edge remains outside the scope of the DMA, the company remains designated as a gatekeeper under the law due to its dominance in other areas, such as Windows and LinkedIn. Additionally, the European Commission preliminarily found that Azure, Microsoft's cloud service, should be subject to the DMA starting in June 2026.

Microsoft spokesperson welcomed the court's decision, stating it would continue to engage with the Commission and industry on compliance for its designated platforms.