Opera files antitrust complaint against Microsoft over unfair competition with Edge

Opera has filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, accusing the company of creating unfair conditions for competitors of the Edge browser, Reuters writes.

The Norwegian developer claims that Microsoft's exclusive pre-installation agreements with Edge on Windows computers create an uneven playing field for alternative browsers. Opera also alleges that Microsoft uses design tricks and "dark patterns" to further discourage users from downloading and using competing products. The company is asking Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) to take action against Microsoft.

"Microsoft thwarts browser competition on Windows at every turn. First, browsers like Opera are locked out of important preinstallation opportunities," Opera's general counsel Aaron McParlan said in a statement. "And then Microsoft frustrates users' ability to download and use alternative browsers."

This is not the first conflict between the two companies. Back in 2007, Opera filed a lawsuit against Microsoft in the EU, claiming that pre-installing Internet Explorer with Windows was an anti-competitive practice. Last year, the company also insisted that the Edge browser should be granted " gatekeeper" status under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).