Microsoft: Difference between revisions
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They also invest heavily in artificial intelligence enterprises, ''OpenAI'' (best known for creating ''ChatGPT'').<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vincent |first=James |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Microsoft invests $1 billion in OpenAI to pursue holy grail of artificial intelligence |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/22/20703578/microsoft-openai-investment-partnership-1-billion-azure-artificial-general-intelligence-agi |work=The Verge}}</ref> | They also invest heavily in artificial intelligence enterprises, ''OpenAI'' (best known for creating ''ChatGPT'').<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vincent |first=James |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Microsoft invests $1 billion in OpenAI to pursue holy grail of artificial intelligence |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/22/20703578/microsoft-openai-investment-partnership-1-billion-azure-artificial-general-intelligence-agi |work=The Verge}}</ref> | ||
==Consumer impact summary<!-- | ==Consumer impact summary<!-- first draft of summary; some citations needed to throughout but otherwise should be okay. do not remove bullet points below until they are fully integrated elsewhere in longer sections -->== | ||
Microsoft is engaged in significant anti consumer and anticompetitive practices, often leading to lawsuits. Most of the practices are attempts at increasing its monopolisitc grip on consumers, coercing to using their services and their services only. Notably shown by its attempts to force Internet Explorer and now Edge onto Windows users culminating in an antitrust lawsuit, signing exclusive deals with OEMs to push out competition, using [[wikipedia:Embrace,_extend,_and_extinguish|"embrace, extend, extinguish"]]<nowiki/>tactics to eliminate competitors, thus impeding user control and freedom. Microsoft is also engaged in mass surveillance (PRISM program)<ref name=":1" /> and has been known to remove content from Bing to appease China's authoritarian regime.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicholas |first=Kristof |date=2009-11-20 |title=Boycott Microsoft Bing |url=http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/boycott-microsoft-bing/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091123194315/http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/boycott-microsoft-bing/ |archive-date=2009-11-23 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> | |||
===Anti-competitive practices=== | ===Anti-competitive practices=== | ||
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:Deliberately degrading interoperability of competing software (e.g., Java, ''Netscape'') with Windows. <ref name=":0"></ref> | :Deliberately degrading interoperability of competing software (e.g., Java, ''Netscape'') with Windows. <ref name=":0"></ref> | ||
===Cloud computing monopoly abuse=== | ===Cloud computing monopoly abuse=== | ||
*'''Lock-in tactics''' | *'''Lock-in tactics''' | ||
:Making it costly or technically difficult for customers to migrate data from Azure to other platforms.<ref name=":3"></ref> | :Making it costly or technically difficult for customers to migrate data from Azure to other platforms.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Godoy |first=Jody |date=November 28, 2024 |title=Microsoft faces wide-ranging US antitrust probe |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-faces-wide-ranging-us-antitrust-probe-2024-11-27/ |website=reuters.com}}</ref> | ||
*'''Settlements under pressure''' | *'''Settlements under pressure''' | ||
:Facing EU and UK lawsuits, Microsoft settled with some cloud vendors but retained practices criticized as unfair.<ref name=":2"></ref> | :Facing EU and UK lawsuits, Microsoft settled with some cloud vendors but retained practices criticized as unfair.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=Ryan |date=December 3, 2024 |title=Microsoft faces £1 billion lawsuit in UK for allegedly overcharging rival cloud firms’ customers |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/03/microsoft-overcharging-rival-cloud-firms-customers-uk-lawsuit-says.html |url-status=live |website=cnbc.com}}</ref> | ||
===Anti-consumer software and hardware policies=== | ===Anti-consumer software and hardware policies=== | ||
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===Privacy and data exploitation=== | ===Privacy and data exploitation=== | ||
*'''Collaboration with surveillance''' | *'''Collaboration with surveillance''' | ||
:Working with the NSA and FBI to bypass encryption (PRISM program) and access user data (Skype, Outlook).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013--07-11 |title=Snowden Reveals Microsoft PRISM Cooperation: Helped NSA Decrypt Emails, Chats, Skype Conversations |url=https://www.ibtimes.com/snowden-reveals-microsoft-prism-cooperation-helped-nsa-decrypt-emails-chats-skype-conversations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250701125316/https://www.ibtimes.com/snowden-reveals-microsoft-prism-cooperation-helped-nsa-decrypt-emails-chats-skype-conversations |archive-date=2025-07-01 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=International Business Times}}</ref> | :Working with the NSA and FBI to bypass encryption (PRISM program) and access user data (Skype, Outlook).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2013--07-11 |title=Snowden Reveals Microsoft PRISM Cooperation: Helped NSA Decrypt Emails, Chats, Skype Conversations |url=https://www.ibtimes.com/snowden-reveals-microsoft-prism-cooperation-helped-nsa-decrypt-emails-chats-skype-conversations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250701125316/https://www.ibtimes.com/snowden-reveals-microsoft-prism-cooperation-helped-nsa-decrypt-emails-chats-skype-conversations |archive-date=2025-07-01 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=International Business Times}}</ref> | ||
*'''Unauthorized data collection''' | *'''Unauthorized data collection''' | ||
:Contractors reportedly listened to Xbox/Skype/Cortana audio without clear user consent.{{Citation needed}} | :Contractors reportedly listened to Xbox/Skype/Cortana audio without clear user consent.{{Citation needed}} | ||
*'''Dark patterns in Windows''' | *'''Dark patterns in Windows''' | ||
:Manipulative UI designs to nudge users toward data-sharing opt-ins.{{Citation needed}} | :Manipulative UI designs to nudge users toward data-sharing opt-ins.{{Citation needed}} | ||
===Market manipulation and stifling innovation=== | ===Market manipulation and stifling innovation=== | ||
*'''Artificial price inflation''' | *'''Artificial price inflation''' | ||
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*Priced ''MS-DOS'' significantly lower than competitors, making it the default choice for PC makers.{{Citation needed}} | *Priced ''MS-DOS'' significantly lower than competitors, making it the default choice for PC makers.{{Citation needed}} | ||
*Launched ''Windows 1.0'' in 1985, as a graphical extension of ''MS-DOS''. They had over 90% of the PC market by the 1990's.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 29, 2002 |title=Competitive Processes, Anticompetitive Practices And Consumer Harm In The Software Industry: An Analysis Of The Inadequacies Of The Microsoft-Department Of Justice Proposed Final Judgment |url=https://www.justice.gov/atr/competitive-processes-anticompetitive-practices-and-consumer-harm-software-industry-analysis |website=justice.gov }}</ref> | *Launched ''Windows 1.0'' in 1985, as a graphical extension of ''MS-DOS''. They had over 90% of the PC market by the 1990's.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 29, 2002 |title=Competitive Processes, Anticompetitive Practices And Consumer Harm In The Software Industry: An Analysis Of The Inadequacies Of The Microsoft-Department Of Justice Proposed Final Judgment |url=https://www.justice.gov/atr/competitive-processes-anticompetitive-practices-and-consumer-harm-software-industry-analysis |website=justice.gov }}</ref> | ||
===Consumer harm=== | ===Consumer harm=== | ||
*Studies estimated that their monopoly led to consumers being overcharged by as much as 30 billion dollars in the 1990s.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=January 25, 2002 |title=Competitive Processes, Anticompetitive Practices And Consumer Harm In The Software Industry: An Analysis Of The Inadequacies Of The Microsoft-Department Of Justice Proposed Final Judgment |url=https://www.justice.gov/atr/competitive-processes-anticompetitive-practices-and-consumer-harm-software-industry-analysis |website=justice.gov}}</ref> | |||
*Studies estimated that their monopoly led to consumers being overcharged by as much as 30 billion dollars in the 1990s.<ref name=":6" /> | |||
==Anticompetitive Lawsuits== | ==Anticompetitive Lawsuits== | ||
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===Ongoing UK Lawsuit for Overcharging Users when Using non Azure Cloud Services=== | ===Ongoing UK Lawsuit for Overcharging Users when Using non Azure Cloud Services=== | ||
UK lawsuit alleges ''Windows Servers'' users were overcharged when using non ''Azure '' cloud services<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gerken |first=Tom |date=2024-12-03 |title=Microsoft faces £1bn class action case in UK over software prices |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20wjnxr5ldo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203111042/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20wjnxr5ldo |archive-date=2024-12-03 |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=BBC}}</ref> | UK lawsuit alleges ''Windows Servers'' users were overcharged when using non ''Azure '' cloud services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gerken |first=Tom |date=2024-12-03 |title=Microsoft faces £1bn class action case in UK over software prices |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20wjnxr5ldo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203111042/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20wjnxr5ldo |archive-date=2024-12-03 |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=BBC}}</ref> | ||
=== Suing mikerowesoft.com for name likeness === | |||
todo<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kotadia |first=Munir |date=2004-01-19 |title=Software giant threatens mikerowesoft |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/software-giant-threatens-mikerowesoft/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124075659/https://www.zdnet.com/article/software-giant-threatens-mikerowesoft/ |archive-date=2020-11-24 |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=ZDNET}}</ref> | |||
==Anticompetitive Incidents== | ==Anticompetitive Incidents== | ||
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''Microsoft Edge''(''Edge'') is a ''[[Chromium]]''-based <ref>{{Cite web |last=Tung |first=Liam |date=2020-06-03 |title=Windows 10: Microsoft begins automatically pushing Chromium Edge to users |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-microsoft-begins-automatically-pushing-chromium-edge-to-users/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603160238/https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-microsoft-begins-automatically-pushing-chromium-edge-to-users/ |archive-date=2020-06-03 |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=ZDNET}}</ref> web browser that comes preinstalled with Windows 10 and later. It is the successor to ''IE''. | ''Microsoft Edge''(''Edge'') is a ''[[Chromium]]''-based <ref>{{Cite web |last=Tung |first=Liam |date=2020-06-03 |title=Windows 10: Microsoft begins automatically pushing Chromium Edge to users |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-microsoft-begins-automatically-pushing-chromium-edge-to-users/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603160238/https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-microsoft-begins-automatically-pushing-chromium-edge-to-users/ |archive-date=2020-06-03 |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=ZDNET}}</ref> web browser that comes preinstalled with Windows 10 and later. It is the successor to ''IE''. | ||
==== Resetting primary browser (2017-present) ==== | ====Resetting primary browser (2017-present)==== | ||
Windows has frequently been resetting the default browser to ''Edge'' without consent.{{Citation needed|reason=old link dead}} While there are methods to disable this,<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/15zbjar/default_browser_keeps_changing_to_microsoft_edge/ "Default browser keeps changing to Microsoft Edge after every PC restart. Win 11, tried everything"] - reddit.com - accessed 2025-01-29</ref> it is tedious to achieve, especially for users who are not tech-savvy. | Windows has frequently been resetting the default browser to ''Edge'' without consent.{{Citation needed|reason=old link dead}} While there are methods to disable this,<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/15zbjar/default_browser_keeps_changing_to_microsoft_edge/ "Default browser keeps changing to Microsoft Edge after every PC restart. Win 11, tried everything"] - reddit.com - accessed 2025-01-29</ref> it is tedious to achieve, especially for users who are not tech-savvy. | ||
==== Inability to delete (2018-present) ==== | ====Inability to delete (2018-present)==== | ||
During major updates for ''Windows'', users have been reporting their installations of ''Edge'' being reinstalled to their devices without their consent.<ref>[https://www.windowscentral.com/how-prevent-microsoft-edge-chromium-installing-automatically-windows-10 "How to prevent new Microsoft Edge from installing automatically on Windows 10"] - windowscentral.com - accessed 2025-01-29</ref> | During major updates for ''Windows'', users have been reporting their installations of ''Edge'' being reinstalled to their devices without their consent.<ref>[https://www.windowscentral.com/how-prevent-microsoft-edge-chromium-installing-automatically-windows-10 "How to prevent new Microsoft Edge from installing automatically on Windows 10"] - windowscentral.com - accessed 2025-01-29</ref> | ||
==== Importing content from other browsers without consent (2020-?) ==== | ====Importing content from other browsers without consent (2020-?)==== | ||
Users have reported on frequent occasions that Edge has imported user data from browsers such as ''Chrome'' and ''Firefox'' without first requesting consent from the user.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Komando |first=Kim |date=2020-07-01 |title=Microsoft caught importing data before you give the OK |url=https://www.komando.com/news/microsoft-edge-caught-importing-data/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213192319/https://www.komando.com/news/microsoft-edge-caught-importing-data/ |archive-date=2024-12-13 |access-date=2025-08-22 |website=KIMKOMANDO}}</ref><!-- Could we get another source added here? --><!-- Hey can someone verify if it still is happening? --> | Users have reported on frequent occasions that Edge has imported user data from browsers such as ''Chrome'' and ''Firefox'' without first requesting consent from the user.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Komando |first=Kim |date=2020-07-01 |title=Microsoft caught importing data before you give the OK |url=https://www.komando.com/news/microsoft-edge-caught-importing-data/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213192319/https://www.komando.com/news/microsoft-edge-caught-importing-data/ |archive-date=2024-12-13 |access-date=2025-08-22 |website=KIMKOMANDO}}</ref><!-- Could we get another source added here? --><!-- Hey can someone verify if it still is happening? --> | ||
==== Harassing users into using Edge (2020-?) ==== | ====Harassing users into using Edge (2020-?)==== | ||
In 2020, users for [[Windows|Windows 10]] faced repeated harassment from Edge to use this browser instead of the user's chosen default browser.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=2020-07-02 |title=Microsoft just sank to a new low by shoving Edge down our throats |url=https://www.theverge.com/21310611/microsoft-edge-browser-forced-update-chromium-editorial |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702205823/https://www.theverge.com/21310611/microsoft-edge-browser-forced-update-chromium-editorial |archive-date=2020-07-02 |access-date=2025-08-22 |website=The Verge}}</ref> Some examples included the browser opening on startup, the browser being forced into full screen, being incapable of closing the browser until the user acknowledges the pop-up, and the browser pinning itself to the taskbar. | In 2020, users for [[Windows|Windows 10]] faced repeated harassment from Edge to use this browser instead of the user's chosen default browser.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=2020-07-02 |title=Microsoft just sank to a new low by shoving Edge down our throats |url=https://www.theverge.com/21310611/microsoft-edge-browser-forced-update-chromium-editorial |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702205823/https://www.theverge.com/21310611/microsoft-edge-browser-forced-update-chromium-editorial |archive-date=2020-07-02 |access-date=2025-08-22 |website=The Verge}}</ref> Some examples included the browser opening on startup, the browser being forced into full screen, being incapable of closing the browser until the user acknowledges the pop-up, and the browser pinning itself to the taskbar. | ||
==== Removal of ''365'' features to push ''Copilot (2025)'' ==== | ====Removal of ''365'' features to push ''Copilot (2025)''==== | ||
Eliminated key search features in ''365'', forcing users to pay $30/month for ''Copilot'' access, sparking backlash from businesses and educators{{Citation needed}}.The FTC and DOJ are reportedly investigating, with Elon Musk alleging antitrust violations in its ''OpenAI'' partnership.{{Citation needed}} | Eliminated key search features in ''365'', forcing users to pay $30/month for ''Copilot'' access, sparking backlash from businesses and educators{{Citation needed}}.The FTC and DOJ are reportedly investigating, with Elon Musk alleging antitrust violations in its ''OpenAI'' partnership.{{Citation needed}} | ||
==== Increasing the difficulty to switch default browsers (2021 - Present) ==== | ====Increasing the difficulty to switch default browsers (2021 - Present)==== | ||
After an update in 2021, computers running ''[[Windows 11]]'' had the systems that handled modifying the web browser defaults.<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=Aug 18, 2021 |title=Microsoft is making it harder to switch default browsers in Windows 11 |url=https://www.theverge.com/22630319/microsoft-windows-11-default-browser-changes |access-date=Jun 21, 2025 |work=The Verge}}</ref> Rather than allow the user to simply switch the default web browser, file types typically accessed via web browsers, such as HTM, HTML, SVG, and more have to be individually modified to have the default opening application changed. This has angered companies maintaining competing web browsers<ref name=":03" /><!--If we can get the notes feature added, this should be a useful note to include: | After an update in 2021, computers running ''[[Windows 11]]'' had the systems that handled modifying the web browser defaults.<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=Aug 18, 2021 |title=Microsoft is making it harder to switch default browsers in Windows 11 |url=https://www.theverge.com/22630319/microsoft-windows-11-default-browser-changes |access-date=Jun 21, 2025 |work=The Verge}}</ref> Rather than allow the user to simply switch the default web browser, file types typically accessed via web browsers, such as HTM, HTML, SVG, and more have to be individually modified to have the default opening application changed. This has angered companies maintaining competing web browsers<ref name=":03" /><!--If we can get the notes feature added, this should be a useful note to include: | ||