Opera files antitrust complaint against Microsoft in Brazil, claiming Edge has unfair advantage.
Norwegian company Opera has lodged a formal complaint with Brazil’s antitrust regulator CADE, alleging that Microsoft gives its Edge browser unfair advantages over competitors. Opera sent a complaint this week to Brazil’s competition authority CADE. The company claims Microsoft has made Edge the default web browser on Windows devices, making it harder for users to choose other options. Opera says that by pre‑installing Edge on Windows PCs and paying hardware makers to do so, Microsoft is blocking fair competition.
They argue users find it difficult to download or switch to other browsers. Opera previously filed a similar case in Europe in 2007 over Internet Explorer, which resulted in a €561 million fine for Microsoft. Opera has raised concerns in the European Union as well, questioning why Microsoft’s Edge browser is excluded from the rules set by the Digital Markets Act.
Aaron McParlan, Opera’s general counsel, said Microsoft “thwarts browser competition on Windows at every turn.”
- Opera alleges that Microsoft uses misleading design tactics, often called “dark patterns,” to steer users toward its Edge browser and discourage switching to alternatives. These techniques, according to Opera, make it harder for users to choose a different browser on Windows devices.
- Being the third most popular desktop browser in Brazil, Opera is now calling on CADE to step in. The company wants the regulator to create a fairer environment for all browsers in the Brazilian market.
- CADE may open an investigation and require Microsoft to make changes.
- This could include limiting Edge pre‑installation practices or improving how Windows promotes browser choice.
- This move is part of Opera’s broader push globally to challenge Microsoft’s dominance in web browsers.
- It highlights growing scrutiny of Big Tech firms in different regions, including under new EU regulations.
Opera is pressing Brazil’s antitrust regulator to intervene, saying Microsoft unfairly promotes Edge on Windows devices. A ruling could reshape browser competition in Brazil and influence similar cases worldwide.
