Opera takes its browser beef with Microsoft to Brazil in antitrust criticism

Opera is submitting an antitrust criticism towards Microsoft in Brazil, alleging it creates an unfair surroundings for alternate browsers to compete with Edge. The Norway-based firm claims Microsoft’s offers to make Edge the unique pre-installed browser on Home windows machines creates an unfair surroundings for alternate browsers to compete. Opera additionally argued that Microsoft makes use of design techniques and darkish patterns to additional discourage folks from downloading and utilizing rival merchandise. It’s asking Brazil’s Administrative Council for Financial Protection (CADE) to pursue cures towards Microsoft.

“Microsoft thwarts browser competitors on Home windows at each flip. First, browsers like Opera are locked out of essential pre-installation alternatives,” Aaron McParlan, common counsel for Opera, mentioned in a press release. “After which Microsoft frustrates customers’ skill to obtain and use various browsers.”

This is not the primary time these two firms have clashed. Opera sued Microsoft within the EU with an identical argument that bundling Web Explorer was anticompetitive. , it additionally argued (albeit unsuccessfully) that Microsoft ought to have gatekeeper designation for the Edge browser below the EU’s Digital Markets Act.