Kaspersky: Microsoft is abusing dominant market position with Windows Defender
Kaspersky has asked the EU and Russia to take action against Microsoft for forcing Defender in Windows 10. Microsoft would make it difficult for developers of antivirus products to enter the market with its practices.
Kaspersky has brought the matter before “numerous authorities in various countries”, including Russia, but also the EU. The company is asking authorities to oblige Microsoft to end its antitrust violations, wrote Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of the security company that bears his name.
Specifically, Kaspersky requires Microsoft to send new versions and updates of Windows to independent developers early on so that they can make their software compatible well in advance. The company also wants Microsoft Windows users to warn that certain software is not compatible with an OS update. After installing such an update, Microsoft should recommend installing a compatible version of the av suite. Finally, Windows users should be explicitly asked if they want to enable Defender.
The claim is that Microsoft used its dominant position in the operating system market to create a competitive advantage with Defender. Eugene Kaspersky writes that with a Windows 10 upgrade, Microsoft automatically deactivates existing av suites and installs Defender instead. When running compatible antivirus software, Defender warns that the Microsoft tool is disabled and enabling it will disable the third-party program. “Many users will naturally be tempted to click the turn on button,” Kaspersky said.
In addition, the CEO complains that AV companies were given only one week before the release of Windows 10 to make their software compatible and that notifications for renewal of licenses for AV suites are tucked away in the Windows Security Center. “If a user forgets to refresh, Microsoft will deactivate the existing av and enable Defender.” The CEO disputes that the user benefits from Microsoft’s actions, because Defender’s protection is said to be substandard and, at the same time, important functionality would be missing.
Microsoft was previously under fire for bundling Internet Explorer with Windows. Opera, Mozilla and Google then filed a complaint with the European Commission. This led to the setting of a mandatory browser selection screen and ultimately to a fine of 561 million euros for not fully complying with that requirement.