Microsoft Deploys 'Harmful Design' Tricks To Push Edge, Say Mozilla Researchers

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. PCMag: '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.

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