Mozilla accuses Microsoft of using Copilot and Windows to steer users to Edge
Mozilla published a blog post marking 100 days since its report "Over The Edge 2.0," written by deceptive-design experts Harry Brignull and Cennydd Bowles, which alleges Windows, Edge, Bing and Copilot are designed to steer people away from their chosen browser. Mozilla says Microsoft is forced to "play fair" in the European Economic Area under the Digital Markets Act, but keeps using similar tactics in the US, UK, India and elsewhere, citing Copilot opening web links in a side panel instead of the default browser and Windows Backup "silently" trying to set Edge as default. Mozilla says it has stepped up public pressure and contacted regulators and policymakers, urging watchdogs in the US, UK, India and Brazil to pay attention; TechRadar asked Microsoft for comment and said it would update the article.
Browsers are a distribution layer for AI tools and services, so default-browser fights can shape which AI services and privacy protections reach users.
- Mozilla accused Microsoft of using Windows, Edge, Bing, and Copilot to steer users toward Edge
- Firefox maker claims stricter EU regulations force fairer browser choice than elsewhere
- Browser competition increasingly overlaps with the fight for AI distribution and user reach
Mozilla has accused Microsoft of abusing its dominant position wherever it can to push people towards Edge, and away from other browsers.
The company framed the story as if it wants “better for the people”, while Microsoft only does it when it’s forced to, but is that really the case?
In a newly released blog, Mozilla noted it has now been 100 days since it published Over The Edge 2.0, a report from “leading experts on deceptive design Dr. Harry Brignull and Cennydd Bowles on how Windows, Edge, Bing, and Copilot are designed to steer people away from the browser they choose.”
Better for the people
In the report, Mozilla said that in the European Economic Area (EEA), where the Digital Market Acts (DMA) is being enforced, Microsoft is forced to “play fair”.
#Mozilla#Microsoft#Microsoft Edge#Microsoft Copilot#Bing#Firefox#Windows 11#Digital Markets Act#Harry Brignull#Cennydd Bowles