Browser Developers Urge EU to Apply DMA Regulations to Microsoft Edge

Earlier this year, the European Commission opted to exempt Microsoft Edge from the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by not categorizing it as “a core platform service.”This decision has sparked frustration among third-party browser developers and advocacy groups. Following a previous request from Opera, these entities are now urging the EU to reevaluate its stance.

The Register has acquired a copy of a letter directed to the European Commission, endorsed by Vivaldi, Waterfox, Wavebox, and Open Web Advocacy. The companies argue that the EU’s ruling allows Microsoft to escape accountability for its unfair tactics with Edge on Windows, which is “the primary conduit for consumers to download an independent browser.”

Among the practices being criticized are Microsoft’s inclusion of ads on rival browsers’ websites, persistent pop-ups with misleading information about competitor browsers, and barriers encountered when attempting to change the default browser settings.

The correspondence further notes that the browser selection interface introduced on mobile devices due to the DMA has proven effective, demonstrating that these regulations can safeguard user choice while fostering innovation.

We are appealing the decision made by the European Commission because we believe users deserve the same browser options on Windows as they do on Android and iOS. Without Edge being classified, the DMA’s goals of fairness, competition, and consumer choice will remain unfulfilled on Windows PCs.

Despite the numerous manipulative tactics and persistent interruptions, Microsoft Edge continues to hold a relatively modest share in the desktop browser landscape. According to Statcounter’s September 2024 report, Edge accounts for just over 5% of the market, significantly trailing behind Chrome.

While Microsoft Edge hasn’t been classified as a core platform service, the EU has recently compelled Microsoft to enable the uninstallation of Edge on Windows 10 and 11. However, this modification does not extend to users outside the European Union, who have little choice but to either tolerate it or resort to cumbersome methods to eliminate what many users humorously refer to as the “Chrome Downloader.”

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