Opera has formally complained about Microsoft's efforts to promote the Edge browser to Windows users. It says the tactics verge into unlawfully anti-competitive behavior.

The complaint is to regulators in Brazil where Opera has previously been comparatively successful. Unlike in many countries where it's only used by a tiny percentage of people, Opera has at times been in a battle with Edge for second place in the browser market, albeit with both far behind the dominant Google Chrome.

According to Opera, Microsoft has used a range of tactics to promote Edge that go beyond lawful promotion. These include using rebate schemes that mean it may not be financially worthwhile for manufacturers to make a Windows PC without Edge pre-installed. The complaint also accused Microsoft of using what it calls "dark pattern tactics" such as ignoring attempts to change the default browser.

Gatekeeper Status

Another tactic affects machines running "Windows S mode" which is where users can only install apps from the Microsoft Store rather than third-party of direct downloads. Opera says Microsoft has stopped users changing their default apps, including browsers, in this mode. The complaint asks Brazil's regulators to force Microsoft to stop using these various tactics. (Source: theverge.com)

This follows a separate case brought by Opera in Europe. A new law there means technologies deemed to be "gatekeepers", meaning they have dominance in the market for a specific software type, face tighter restrictions and may have to be opened up to competition. Opera is appealing a ruling that Edge's market share it too small to qualify for gatekeeper status.

Browser Ballot To Return?

Both cases are reminiscent of the long-running battle in Europe over Microsoft's attempts to maintain Internet Explorer's market share by tying it closely to Windows itself. That led to a mandatory "browser ballot" program in Europe where users installing Windows were actively presented with a list of browsers and asked to choose which to install and make the default.

Microsoft has not yet publicly commented on the Opera complain in Brazil. (Source: theregister.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Does Opera have a valid complaint? Have you found Microsoft too pushy in promoting Edge on your Windows PC? Should Microsoft have the right to promote and bundle its own apps in Windows given nobody is forced to use the system?