The European Commission and Microsoft have been tangled in a long and drawn out legal battle that has now spanned almost 20 years. The EC reacted to accusations that the software giant was using its position as market leader to stifle competition by leveraging a $1.1 billion fine on the company. In a related case it also ruled that Microsoft should include a "browser ballot" with its operating systems. Now, a new dispute appears to be brewing, once again hinging on browser choice in Microsoft's OSes. The Redmond-based company failed to include the required ballot screen with its Windows 7 Service Pack 1 update, and has also drawn criticism for preventing browser choice with its upcoming ARM-based operating system, Windows RT.
Mar 7, 2013, 12:45 PM UTCAaron Souppouris
Google and Opera behind Microsoft's $730-million EU antitrust fine, says FT
Mar 6, 2013, 11:29 AM UTCSean Hollister
EU fines Microsoft $730 million for failing to include browser ballot in Windows 7 SP1
Feb 28, 2013, 7:06 PM UTCChris Welch
Reuters: Microsoft likely to be fined in Europe over antitrust concerns
Oct 24, 2012, 10:14 AM UTCTom Warren
EU finds that Microsoft has failed to comply with its browser choice commitments
Sep 27, 2012, 9:16 AM UTCLouis Goddard
EU prepares to charge Microsoft over 'technical error' with Windows 7 browser choice
Jul 19, 2012, 12:39 PM UTCAdi Robertson
European Commission confirms probe of alleged Windows RT browser exclusion, details more complaints
A European Commission spokesperson has confirmed that the antitrust division is investigating possible exclusionary practices on Windows RT, including charges that Microsoft is discouraging manufacturers from setting third-party browsers as default.
Jul 18, 2012, 8:23 PM UTCBryan Bishop
EU investigating Windows RT for allegedly blocking browser choice
The EU will be investigating Windows 8 RT and its Metro environment browser restrictions due to complaints from other browser manufacturers.
Jul 17, 2012, 11:44 AM UTCTom Warren
Microsoft admits to 'technical error' with browser choice screen, offers to extend compliance period
Microsoft says it has taken immediate steps to rectify an issue with its browser choice screen for Windows 7 SP1 users after the European Commission revealed it's investigating the company's failure to comply.
Jul 17, 2012, 10:52 AM UTCTom Warren
EC investigating Microsoft's lack of compliance with browser choice commitment
The European Commission says it will investigate whether Microsoft has failed to comply with its browser choice commitments.
Jun 27, 2012, 8:44 AM UTCTom Warren
EU rejects Microsoft's appeal against billion-dollar antitrust fine, reduces it by $48 million
The European Union has rejected an appeal by Microsoft, instructing the company to pay a reduced fine for an antitrust decision from 2004.
May 16, 2012, 7:50 AM UTCAmar Toor
Windows RT browser exclusion draws attention from European, US regulators
The European Commission this week announced that it will be keeping a close eye on Microsoft's Windows RT operating system, in response to Mozilla's complaint that the forthcoming platform excludes third-party browsers.
