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Is Brazil About to Transform How We Choose Our Web Browsers Forever?
Opera, the Norwegian web browser company, has taken a major step in Brazil. The company filed an official complaint with Brazil’s antitrust authority called CADE. This complaint targets Microsoft and how it handles its Edge browser on Windows computers.
What Is Opera Saying About Microsoft?
Opera claims Microsoft is being unfair. The company says Microsoft puts Edge browser on every Windows computer before users even get them. This means people don’t get to pick their browser freely.
Here’s what Opera says Microsoft does wrong:
- Pre-installs Edge on all Windows devices and computers
- Makes it hard for other browsers to get on computers first
- Uses tricks to stop people from downloading other browsers
- Confuses users with pop-ups and warnings when they try to switch
Opera’s lawyer Aaron McParlan said: “Microsoft thwarts browser competition on Windows at every turn”. He added that browsers like Opera are “locked out of important preinstallation opportunities”.
The Numbers in Brazil Tell a Story
In Brazil’s desktop browser market, the numbers show how different browsers compete:
- Google Chrome: 75% of users
- Microsoft Edge: 11.52% of users
- Opera: 6.78% of users
Even though Opera has a smaller share, it still serves millions of Brazilian users who choose it despite Microsoft’s tactics.
What Brazil’s Government Is Doing
Brazil’s competition watchdog CADE moved fast. Just days after Opera filed the complaint on Tuesday, CADE opened an official investigation on Thursday.
CADE gave Microsoft a clear deadline: August 15, 2025. Microsoft must respond to all of Opera’s claims by this date.
The investigation looks at three main areas:
- Windows operating system licenses
- Microsoft 365 software suite
- Microsoft’s Jumpstart program
This Fight Has History
Opera and Microsoft have battled before. Back in 2007, Opera complained about Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser to European authorities. That case resulted in Microsoft paying a huge fine of 561 million euros (about $640 million).
Opera is also fighting Microsoft in Europe right now. The company wants European authorities to treat Microsoft Edge like other big tech services under new digital competition rules.
What Could Happen Next
If CADE finds Microsoft guilty of breaking competition rules, several things might change:
- Microsoft might have to change how it installs Edge
- Users could get clearer choices when setting up new computers
- Microsoft might face financial penalties
- Other computer makers could pre-install different browsers
Why This Matters for Regular People
This case affects anyone who uses a computer. Right now, when you buy a Windows computer, Edge is already there as your browser. You have to work to change it.
If Opera wins, you might get to pick your browser right from the start. This could mean:
- More freedom to choose the browser you like
- Better competition between browser companies
- Improved features as companies try harder to win users
The Global Picture
Brazil’s investigation is part of a bigger worldwide trend. Governments in many countries are watching big tech companies more closely. They want to make sure these companies don’t use their power unfairly.
Similar investigations are happening in Europe and other places. The goal is to keep competition fair so smaller companies can compete with tech giants.
Microsoft Stays Quiet
So far, Microsoft has not made any public comments about the Brazil investigation. The company did not respond when reporters asked for their thoughts. This is normal for companies facing official investigations.
Microsoft has until August 15 to give their full response to CADE. What they say could determine how this case moves forward.
This Brazil case represents more than just a fight between browser companies. It’s about whether big tech companies can control how we access the internet. The outcome could influence how computers work around the world.
The next few weeks will be important as we wait to see Microsoft’s response and CADE’s decision. For millions of computer users, this case could mean the difference between having real choice and being stuck with whatever software comes pre-installed.