Opera Challenges Microsoft’s Browser Dominance in Brazil with New Antitrust Complaint

Opera Files Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft in Brazil

Opera, the Norway-based technology company known for its innovative web browser, has launched a formal antitrust complaint against Microsoft in Brazil. According to Opera, Microsoft’s longstanding practice of making its Edge browser the default and exclusively pre-installed option on Windows devices is stifling fair browser competition in one of Latin America’s largest technology markets.

Allegations: Dark Patterns and Restricted User Choice

Opera’s legal team asserts that Microsoft’s business tactics go beyond bundling Edge with Windows. The company claims Microsoft employs subtle design techniques—often referred to as "dark patterns"—that intentionally make it more difficult for users to discover, download, and switch to alternative browsers. Such design decisions, Opera argues, not only disadvantage rivals like Opera, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, but also limit consumer choice and digital innovation.

Regulatory Action Sought from CADE

Opera has submitted its complaint to Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), urging the authority to investigate and impose remedies that would ensure a level playing field in the web browser market. This move highlights growing global scrutiny on the dominance of default apps and ecosystems.

Browser Features and User Benefits

Opera pitches itself as a highly customizable, privacy-focused browser, featuring built-in VPN, ad blocker, and seamless workspace management—capabilities designed to appeal to both tech enthusiasts and everyday users. The company argues that Microsoft’s practices are preventing innovative alternatives from reaching users, despite their unique strengths.

Historical Context: Not the First Browser Battle

This legal confrontation is not new territory for Opera or Microsoft. Back in 2007, Opera brought a similar case against Microsoft in the European Union over Internet Explorer’s bundling with Windows. More recently, Opera was among the voices calling for Microsoft Edge to be regulated as a "gatekeeper" service under the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

Why It Matters for the Global Browser Market

With the web browser landscape becoming increasingly competitive and central to user privacy and productivity, how regulators address the balance between pre-installed software and market equality could set important precedents worldwide. For tech professionals, developers, and consumers, the outcome in Brazil could influence how easily users can access alternatives to Microsoft Edge, fostering more innovation and broader choice across platforms.