EU begins browser antitrust investigation of Microsoft

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 17 Jul 2012 7:48 User comments (6)

The European Commission, EU's executive body, has announced this week that it has begun an investigation into Microsoft's tactics in regards to browser selection.

Back in 2009, Microsoft made antitrust commitments to the EC, including an obligation to add a "browser choice screen" to its Windows operating systems. By having the screen, users could select which browser they wanted right at first boot and not have to use Microsoft's own Internet Explorer.

Microsoft admitted it "fell short" on its commitments due to a tech erro, and the EC says the company may face "severe" fines: "Due to a technical error, we missed delivering the BCS software to PCs that came with the service pack 1 update to Windows 7."

Windows 7 without SP1, Windows XP and Windows Vista PCs did have the screen, however.

EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia says the screen has not been provided since February 2011, leaving 28 million consumers without options.

Tags: Lawsuit Browser EU antitrust EC

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6 user comments

117.7.2012 22:01

bobiroc

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EU needs to give up and/or place the same restrictions on MacOS X and any Linux distro that also gives a default browser with it's devices. I don't hear them complaining about iPads coming with Safari or MacOS with Safari or Chromebooks with Chrome as the browser. I know they say it is all about marketshare but that is BS and the EU is just a bunch of whiny bitches in my opinion. I mean the iPad has the vast majority of the tablet marketshare right? Oh I forgot Apple brands the hardware too so that makes a big difference right?

218.7.2012 06:36

dali

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I agree with bobiroc. If M$ is evil, Crapple is the devil himself.

318.7.2012 17:47

ThePastor

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The EU needs to get over themselves.

Here: Email this to everyone and then STHU

Get Chrome

420.7.2012 10:45

Kunkle_W

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Quote:
EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia says the screen has not been provided since February 2011, leaving 28 million consumers without options.

Really? Didnt know you couldnt browse to another site and download a browser using IE. Difference between "without options" and "without being spoon-fed."

520.7.2012 14:53

ChappyTTV

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Originally posted by bobiroc:
EU needs to give up and/or place the same restrictions on MacOS X and any Linux distro that also gives a default browser with it's devices. I don't hear them complaining about iPads coming with Safari or MacOS with Safari or Chromebooks with Chrome as the browser. I know they say it is all about marketshare but that is BS and the EU is just a bunch of whiny bitches in my opinion. I mean the iPad has the vast majority of the tablet marketshare right? Oh I forgot Apple brands the hardware too so that makes a big difference right?

Very well played! Pretty much sums it all up, especially the "Whiny bitches" statement.

621.7.2012 00:57

Mr-Movies

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Dido....

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EU begins browser antitrust investigation of Microsoft

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