Opera Accuses Microsoft of Creating a Web Browsing Monopoly with Edge

Wow, Microsoft at it again, huh? I mean, who knew they could stir up yet another browser beef? So, it seems like back in 2024 (which honestly feels both yesterday and a lifetime ago), Mozilla dropped some spicy research. They basically called out Microsoft for playing dirty with how they shove Edge down our throats on Windows. Like, seriously, it’s like they’ve turned the whole OS into a big “Use Edge” billboard. Which got me thinking—are we surprised? But, I’m getting ahead of myself.

Anyway, things got wild when Opera decided enough was enough and went full-on rebel mode. They were like, “If you can’t beat ‘em, sue ‘em,” and so they dashed off to Brazil’s competition authority with their complaints about Microsoft acting like the big bully of the browser playground.

And here’s this gem from Opera’s Aaron McParlan: Users in Brazil who just wanna try something other than Edge on their Windows machines should have the freedom without being bombarded by Microsoft’s shenanigans. Like, imagine trying to download another browser and having ads scream at you, “Don’t do it!” Oh, the drama!

Now, what’s Opera really aiming for with all this noise? They’re pressing on about how Microsoft’s sneaky ways stifle real competition. Can you blame them for wanting a world where they can actually get pre-installed on PCs or, at least, let users make a clean break from Edge without jumping through hoops or popping up messages that feel like a needy ex? And don’t even get me started on how Microsoft overrides user settings at the worst possible times. Like opening a PDF or searching something and BAM, there’s Edge again. It’s like that one friend who crashes every party uninvited.

The ask from Opera is pretty clear. Stop the blocking, the pop-up guilt trips, and be a decent player in this digital game. And yeah, maybe have a browser choice screen that doesn’t feel like it was designed to confuse your grandma.

Apparently, Microsoft had a bit of a tango with the EU too. They were slapped with the “gatekeeper” label for services like Bing and Edge. But Microsoft was like, “Um, excuse me? We’re not as big as you think.” The EU looked into it and went, “Okay, maybe not.” Still, the dance continues, and Opera’s pushing hard for another investigation, hoping to nudge Edge under the regulation umbrella, which could change the whole narrative.

Okay, so what’s next? Are we waiting for Microsoft to suddenly become the poster child for fair competition? Maybe. Or maybe not. But the digital browser battleground remains as spicy as ever. Who knew software could be so dramatic?