Russian multinational anti-virus company, Kaspersky has filed antitrust complaints against Microsoft in Europe alleging that the Software giant is using its dominance in the OS market to promote its own security software, Windows Defender at the expense of users.
Filing complaints with European Commission and German Federal Cartel Office, Kaspersky said that Microsoft has deliberately created “hurdles” that limit consumer choice in choosing the security software of their choice.
“We see clearly – and are ready to prove – that Microsoft uses its dominant position in the computer operating system (OS) market to fiercely promote its own – inferior – security software (Windows Defender) at the expense of users’ previously self-chosen security solution. Such promotion is conducted using questionable methods, and we want to bring these methods to the attention of the anti-competition authorities”, said Kaspersky said in a statement.
After Russia, Kaspersky files complains against Microsoft in Europe
This is not the first time that Kaspersky has complained against Microsoft of forcing its own security software to users. Kaspersky has already registered a complaint against Microsoft with Russia’s Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) of misusing its OS dominance.
Kaspersky accusations
- Microsoft removes third party software when users upgrade to Windows 10, and thereafter enables Windows Defender
- Third party antivirus software disappear mysteriously while users are upgrading to Windows 10. Even the notifications of expiring licenses are blocked
- Microsoft does not provide enough time for vendors to fully test its latest Windows 10 builds
- Microsoft tricks users to believe that a 3rd party software may harm their PCs while they are being installed
“We want Microsoft to stop misleading and misinforming our – and not only our – users. We want to see all security solutions being able to work on the Windows platform on a level playing field. And we want to see users being able to decide for themselves what they want and consider important to them”, said Kaspersky in a blog post.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has replied to allegations, saying,
“Microsoft’s primary objective is to keep customers protected. We are confident that the security features of Windows 10 comply with competition laws. And we will answer any questions regulators may have.”
While Kaspersky acknowledges that Microsoft has made some product changes since complain with FAS, it is still not enough to allow other security providers compete on a level terms with the Windows Defender.