{"id":5181,"date":"2025-07-30T05:58:22","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T05:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/news\/?p=5181"},"modified":"2025-07-30T05:58:22","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T05:58:22","slug":"opera-accuses-microsoft-of-unfair-browser-practices-in-brazil-antitrust-complaint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepsaret.com\/news\/opera-accuses-microsoft-of-unfair-browser-practices-in-brazil-antitrust-complaint\/","title":{"rendered":"Opera Accuses Microsoft of Unfair Browser Practices in Brazil Antitrust Complaint"},"content":{"rendered":"

Norwegian tech firm Opera has lodged a formal complaint with Brazil\u2019s antitrust authority, CADE, accusing Microsoft of creating an unlevel playing field in the desktop browser market.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The complaint centers around Microsoft\u2019s Edge browser, which Opera claims is given undue preference on Windows-operated devices, thereby hindering healthy competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

This move rekindles a long-standing dispute between the two companies that began in 2007 when Opera raised concerns with the European Commission over Microsoft bundling Internet Explorer with its Windows OS.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That case concluded with the U.S. company paying a substantial 561 million-euro fine for violating EU antitrust regulations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Opera continued its push last year by filing a legal challenge against the European Commission for exempting Edge from the obligations of the Digital Markets Act\u2014a regulation targeting Big Tech practices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related story:<\/b> Microsoft Aware of SharePoint Vulnerability but Initial Fix Proved Ineffective, Timeline Reveals<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Tactics Undermine Rivals, Opera Alleges<\/b><\/h2>\n

In the complaint submitted to CADE and reviewed by Reuters, Opera claims that Microsoft\u2019s decision to make Edge the pre-installed and default browser on Windows PCs gives it an unfair edge over competitors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>Opera<\/span><\/a>, such practices limit other browsers from gaining visibility and equal consideration by users.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMicrosoft thwarts browser competition on Windows at every turn. First, browsers like Opera are locked out of important preinstallation opportunities,\u201d stated Aaron McParlan, Opera\u2019s general counsel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then Microsoft frustrates users’ ability to download and use alternative browsers,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opera also asserted that <\/span>Microsoft <\/span><\/a>engages in deals with major computer manufacturers, offering incentives for them to install Edge exclusively on all Windows devices they sell.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These alleged practices, according to Opera, make it increasingly difficult for users to even consider switching browsers, despite availability.<\/span><\/p>\n

Market Impact and Design Concerns<\/b><\/h2>\n

Data from StatCounter in June shows that Opera holds 6.78% of the desktop browser market in Brazil, while Microsoft Edge accounts for 11.52%. Google Chrome dominates with a massive 75% market share.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond exclusive installations, Opera has further accused Microsoft of employing manipulative interface designs\u2014sometimes referred to as dark patterns\u2014to guide users toward Edge, subtly discouraging the use of other browsers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Norwegian firm is urging CADE to launch an investigation into Microsoft\u2019s browser practices and to impose regulatory remedies that would promote open competition in Brazil\u2019s digital ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n

Microsoft has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read next: <\/b>Microsoft Warns of Active Cyberattacks on SharePoint Servers, Urges Immediate Security Updates<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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