Opera Takes Action Against Microsoft in Brazil

In a bold move that highlights the ongoing tension between tech giants, Norwegian browser maker Opera has lodged a complaint against Microsoft with Brazil's antitrust authority, CADE. The complaint, filed on Tuesday, claims that Microsoft’s Edge browser enjoys an unfair advantage by being pre-installed as the default option on all Windows devices.

A Long History of Rivalry

This isn't the first time Opera has gone up against Microsoft. Back in December 2007, they raised a similar issue with the European Commission regarding Microsoft’s strategy of bundling its Internet Explorer browser with the Windows operating system. That case resulted in a hefty 561 million euro (approximately $700 million USD) fine for Microsoft.

Digital Markets Act Exemption Sparks Controversy

Adding fuel to the fire, Opera challenged the European Commission last year for exempting Edge from the Digital Markets Act—legislation meant to curb the dominance of Big Tech companies through strict guidelines. Opera argued that this exemption further entrenches Microsoft's position in the market.

Allegations of Anti-Competitive Practices

In the complaint seen by Reuters, Opera alleges that Microsoft’s strategy to pre-install Edge restricts competition to a level where rivals cannot showcase their products effectively. Opera’s general counsel, Aaron McParlan, stated, "Microsoft thwarts browser competition on Windows at every turn. First, browsers like Opera are locked out of important preinstallation opportunities, and then Microsoft frustrates users' ability to download and use alternative browsers."

Incentives and Design Tactics Under Scrutiny

Opera claims that Microsoft's tactics extend to offering bonuses to major computer manufacturers for exclusively pre-installing Edge on all their devices. Furthermore, Opera pointed out that Microsoft allegedly employs dark patterns—design techniques that manipulate users—to steer them away from competing browsers.

Demanding Fair Competition

With this complaint, Opera is urging CADE to launch a thorough investigation into Microsoft's practices and demand significant concessions to ensure a level playing field in the browser market. As Opera positions itself as the third most popular PC browser in Brazil, the outcome of this complaint could have far-reaching implications for the tech landscape.

What’s Next for Microsoft?

As for Microsoft, the tech giant has yet to respond to the allegations. As the pressure mounts on big tech firms worldwide, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds and whether it could lead to further regulatory actions.