(Credit: Microsoft)
Mozilla claims in a new 74-page research report that Microsoft "repeatedly uses harmful design" and "dark patterns" to push users toward Microsoft Edge and away from rival browsers like Mozilla's Firefox or Google's Chrome browser.
"Microsoft uses the harmful preselection, visual interference, trick wording, and disguised ads patterns to skew user choice," the report argues, adding that "Microsoft's harmful design practices mean users are unable to download, install, use, or set as default an alternative browser without interference."
The researchers claim this harms consumers because they can experience "distortion of choice," lose trust in the broader tech industry, and even possibly experience "emotional distress" as a result of Microsoft's efforts.
For the study, user experiences were tested on Windows 10 Home and Windows 11 Pro as well as the Windows 11 Home Insider Preview Version. The UK-based testers did not attempt to use a VPN to change or hide their IP addresses during their investigation.
While Microsoft recently said it will allow users in the European Union to uninstall Edge as part of its efforts to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), it's unclear whether US, UK, or other users around the globe could ever get the same option. Some Windows 11 users can remove five other apps that come preinstalled, however.
Mozilla commissioned the research, which was conducted by Dr. Harry Brignull, who holds a PhD in Cognitive Science, and Fulbright Visiting Scholar Cennydd Bowles, whose work focuses on technology ethics.
Brignull and Bowles say there is no valid reason why Microsoft's Edge browser can't be uninstalled from all Windows operating systems. They detail how Edge's user experience pushes Windows users toward keeping Edge by design, arguing that everything from preselecting options to keep Edge as default to using gray colors to help users ignore checkable boxes, for example.
Microsoft then repeatedly pushes unsolicited messages to users searching for other browsers to keep using Edge, according to the report.
Even Microsoft's search tool, Bing, is able to determine when users are searching for Edge rivals and will push a message to users that actively dissuades them from downloading a web browser alternative. This Bing push is actually a disguised ad, the study argues.
Other tactics like incessant Windows pop-ups, messages that insinuate that only Edge is secure, and obtrusive surveys.
"Microsoft cannot justify the use of these techniques, and should stop using them immediately," Bowles and Brignull argue. "If they do not, we would welcome—where the law provides for it—regulatory intervention to protect against these harms."
PCMag reached out to Microsoft for comment.
This is not the first time Mozilla has taken issue with its competition. Last month, Mozilla said that an "uneven playing field" exists in the web browser world, arguing that Firefox is disadvantaged compared to its biggest rivals at Microsoft, Google, and Apple.
According to StatCounter's global market share stats for January 2024, Chrome dominates with 64.38%, followed by Safari at 18.86%, Edge at 5.35%, and Firefox at 3.3%.