competition regulations Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Makes More DMA-Based Changes to Windows 10/11 in the EU

Microsoft is aligning its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Union. In March 2024, Microsoft launched a Digital Markets Act Compliance website detailing plans to adapt Windows and LinkedIn. Recent updates include: - Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) can associate a wider range of file and link types with their default web browser, including ftp, http, https, .htm, .html, and .xml. New options for “Pin to Taskbar” and “Pin to Start” will also be available. - The Windows Search feature will allow applications to provide web search results directly within the interface, enabling users to filter and reorder results. - EEA users will have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store app, while apps downloaded from the Store will continue to receive updates. Users can reinstall the Store app later. - The Bing and Start Experiences apps will direct web content to the user's default browser instead of Microsoft Edge, which will no longer prompt users to set it as the default unless opened directly. If Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not suggest its reinstallation, except for Progressive Web Apps installed via Edge.

Tech Optimizer

March 4, 2025

CCI Rejects Complaint Against Microsoft Over Bundled Antivirus

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) reviewed a complaint regarding Microsoft's bundling of its Defender antivirus software with the Windows operating system. The CCI found insufficient evidence to support claims of market foreclosure or coercion, concluding that there was no prima facie violation of competition norms. The investigation focused on the antivirus software sector for Windows OS in India and the broader desktop and laptop security software market. The CCI noted that users are not required to use Microsoft Defender, as OEMs can install alternative antivirus solutions. Other operating systems also include built-in antivirus features, indicating no compulsion to use Microsoft Defender. The CCI found no breach of Section 4(2)(a)(i) of the Competition Act and determined that the antivirus solutions market remains competitive, with various established players thriving.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

Android Auto app design limits raise regulatory flags

Google has faced regulatory scrutiny in the European Union regarding its Android Auto application templates, which have been criticized for favoring its own navigation services over third-party apps. The Italian app JuicePass, designed for electric vehicle charging, encountered difficulties launching on Android Auto due to these restrictive templates, leading to legal challenges and a 2021 penalty against Google. The EU Court Advocate General has suggested that Google's practices may breach competition rules. Although Google has started to relax some restrictions on Android Auto apps, JuicePass remains unavailable, with Google initially citing security concerns for its absence.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

Google limits on Android Auto access may breach EU rules, court adviser says

The ongoing dispute between Google and Enel over access to the Android Auto platform has attracted attention from European legal authorities. The Italian antitrust regulator fined Google 102 million euros in 2021 for refusing to allow Enel's JuicePass app to integrate with its software. Advocate General Laila Medina suggested that Google's actions may violate competition regulations by preventing third-party applications from accessing its platforms, potentially harming consumers. Google defended its position by citing security concerns and the absence of a standardized template for integration. The company has appealed to the Italian Council of State and is working to address the situation. The Court of Justice of the European Union is set to rule on the case, designated as C-233/23 Alphabet and Others, in the coming months.

AppWizard

September 5, 2024

Google limits on Android Auto access may breach EU rules adviser says

An adviser to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) supported Italy's antitrust authority's stance that Google's actions regarding its Android Auto platform could violate competition laws. This follows a 2021 fine of 102 million euros imposed on Google for blocking Enel's JuicePass from integrating with Android Auto. Google argued its actions were based on security concerns and the absence of a necessary compatibility template. Advocate General Laila Medina stated that a dominant entity may abuse its position by hindering third-party applications, potentially harming consumers unless justified. The CJEU is expected to rule on the case, designated as C-233/23 Alphabet and Others, in the coming months.