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ARTICLE · 09 MARCH 2010

Commission Welcomes Implementation Of Microsoft Web Browser Choice Commitments

SJ Berwin LLP
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The European Commission ("Commission") has welcomed the implementation of Microsoft's commitment to give PC manufacturers and users in the European Economic Area, covering 30 nations, the option to choose their web browser.

European UnionAntitrust/Competition Law
SJ Berwin'S EU & Competition Team
SJ Berwin'S EU & Competition Team

The European Commission ("Commission") has welcomed the implementation of Microsoft's commitment to give PC manufacturers and users in the European Economic Area, covering 30 nations, the option to choose their web browser.

Starting from 1 March 2010, users of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 whose default browser is Internet Explorer will be offered a choice of different web browsers, which may be installed on their PC in addition to or instead of Internet Explorer, by means of a 'choice screen'. The 'choice screen', which contains details of the twelve most popular browsers that run on Windows, has also been made available on the internet. Moreover, PC manufacturers will also be free to pre-install a browser or browsers of their choice and will no longer be contractually obliged to install Internet Explorer. It is expected that the 'choice screen' will be displayed on over 100 million PCs in Europe between now and mid-May.

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