Microsoft slammed for trying to trick business users into installing Edge browser
Microsoft is pushing Edge on more users
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
In its latest push to increase the adoption of Edge,Microsoftis apparently increasingly arketing the browser to users of its Defendersecurity suitein a move that has drawn criticism for blurring the line between advising and advertising.
The user interface design choice has been slated for deceptively steering users towards installing Microsoft’s in-housebrowserby promoting a feature called ‘In-browser protection with Microsoft Edge for Business.’
The tool is designed to help administrators separate personal and business browsing profiles in order to keep confidential company information secure.
Microsoft accused of deceptively enticing customers to Edge
Although the tool, which offers protection similar to a reverseproxy, can be a useful control for companies, the way Microsoft has gone about pushing it has sparked online debate. The prompt appears as a security recommendation rather than clearly being identified as an advertisement.
Chrome currently accounts for around 65% of all browser sessions on desktops, compared with just 14% for Edge. Still, Edge has the edge overSafari, which only accounts for around 9% of the desktop browser market (according toStatcounter), with Firefox and Opera rounding up the top five.
When asked about the criticism, a Microsoft spokesperson emphasized (viaThe Register) that administrators have full control over the experience and can disable the feature if desired.
However, this isn’t the first time that Microsoft has faced scrutiny over its Edge marketing tactics. Earlier this year, Mozilla published a report criticizing the company for using dark patterns to push users towards Edge, highlighting examples of targeted Edge ads onGoogle’s website.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
More broadly, Microsoft has also been struggling with the adoption of its latestoperating system.Windows 11finally broke the 30% market share last month, but still accounts for fewer than one in three instances of Windows OS.Windows 10accounts for a sliver under 65%.
More from TechRadar Pro
With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!
Google puts Nvidia on high alert as it showcases Trillium, its rival AI chip, while promising to bring H200 Tensor Core GPUs within days
A new form of macOS malware is being used by devious North Korean hackers
Belkin’s Travel Bag for Vision Pro has pockets and is way cheaper than Apple’s own case
