In the past, Microsoft has resorted to using ill-conceived tactics to get people to switch over to the Edge browser, especially on Windows. Some examples include injecting full-sized ads for Edge on Chrome"s website, offering "recommended" content through a sidebar, and a fake guide from Microsoft about how to uninstall Microsoft Edge. Although the Redmond tech giant has slightly improved in this area under certain conditions, things still aren"t perfect, at least according to the competition.
In a statement to Neowin, the Browser Choice Alliance accused Microsoft of bribing people to use Edge by offering them Microsoft Rewards points in return:
Rather than competing on the merits and letting users decide the best browser for their needs, Microsoft is now bribing users with the promise of Microsoft Rewards points that have real cash value. Microsoft should stand on the side of users instead of expanding its campaign to undermine consumer choice and lock out competing browsers.
For those unaware, the Browser Choice Alliance is a coalition involving several big names, including Google Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, and more. Its main mission is to increase and respect user choice when it comes to selecting a browser, specifically in Windows devices. It campaigns against dark pattern practices and criticizes Microsoft for resorting to an alternative dark pattern each time it is caught doing something nefarious in this area.
For additional context, Microsoft Rewards is a platform where you earn digital points for using Bing and Microsoft Edge. These accumulated points can then be redeemed for real world rewards such as Microsoft Store and Xbox gift cards, along with the option to enter sweepstakes for a chance to win physical hardware like the Xbox Series X and other items.
The Browser Choice Alliance has also highlighted other ways in which Microsoft is shifting customers to Edge in an anti-competitive manner. These include routing Microsoft 365 interactions to Edge, showing pop-up ads for Edge, promoting the browser when you make web searches for alternatives, and defaulting users back to Edge in certain cases. Although the Browser Choice Alliance hasn"t announced a concrete action, such as a lawsuit, against Redmond yet, its website does urge regulators to take a look into this matter.