Mozilla joins in EU action against Microsoft
updated 01:10 pm EST, Mon February 9, 2009
Mozilla joins EU vs. MS
Mozilla is throwing its support behind a European Commission ruling on bundling Microsoft's Internet Explorer with Windows, according to the company's CEO. Microsoft received a Statement of Objection from the Commission last month, accusing it of violating European competition laws. The action was initially sparked by a complaint from Opera, which produces third-party web browsers. Mozilla itself develops the Firefox browser.
The head of Mozilla, Mitchell Baker, says she has "not the single smallest iota of doubt" that bundling Internet Explorer harms choice, competition and product evolution. Baker adds, however, that Mozilla is willing to propose a solution to Microsoft violations, a move which could benefit the company financially. The Commission confirms that Mozilla has joined the Microsoft case as an interested party, though it is not an official complainant.
It is rumored that the Commission may be interested in a "must carry" solution, which would force Microsoft to offer browsers like Firefox and Opera as an alternative. The company has meanwhile said it is taking its time in replying to the objection, for which it was given a two-month deadline.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
hmmm...
Wonder if this is an issue for Safari and OS X? Obviously not on the surface, since OS X does not have anything resembling a monoply. Still this could be an interesting argument from a company like Opera or Mozilla.