Installing default browsers overshadows alternative tools, as Mozilla reveals in its latest study.
The question of web browsers and the place left by the big ones (Google, Apple, Microsoft) for the small ones frequently comes up on the table, both from developers of alternative browsers and from users or authorities who advocate equal access. in the matter. The latest report published by Mozilla (Firefox) focuses precisely on the behavior of Internet users in the face of the browsers installed by default on the devices.
The browser, a tool that promotes retention on its own services
Among French Internet users surveyed, only 29%, or just under 1 in 3, admit to having changed the default browser on their computer, phone or tablet. Half of them, however, indicate that they know the operation to be carried out to make this change.
This rather low proportion is partly explained by the lack of education and transparency of powerful operating systems. These generally do not clearly indicate the procedure for using an alternative browser. ” On the contrary, they use unfair practices in order to push the use of their own browsers and to make Internet users captive “, denounces Mozilla.
The study recalls that search engines remain a complex technological element on which browsers are built. In a mechanical way, they affect the performance and functionality of all browsers, which makes the choice and diversity of engines all the more important for the ecosystem. While Apple’s search engine is limited to its own products, today only Mozilla and Google are true cross-platform search engine providers.
As DMA looms, Mozilla calls for real change
The subject of the collection of personal data and information remains critical among users in all countries surveyed. In France, 59% of Internet users say they are concerned about the issue. This shows, according to Mozilla, how necessary it is today to inform consumers about the existence and the means of accessing alternatives such as Firefox, Vivaldi, Opera and others.
Mozilla regrets a status quo and a practice that is to the detriment of independent products, and therefore of consumers who cannot choose their browser according to their needs or their values (protection of privacy, for example) “.
With this report, which praises the values of competition, access, interoperability, security and privacy, Mozilla hopes to raise awareness and encourage change as soon as possible, so that independent browsers can be free to offer choice to users. The next European reference text, the Digital Markets Act (DMA), is supposed to put an end to the practice which imposes a default browser and search engine. A multi-choice screen must be offered to inform the consumer that he has one or more competing services. A commendable approach which, for some sailors, will have to be subject to increased monitoring, for proper application.
Source : Mozilla study
For a long time, the monopolies held by the pioneers of web browsing determined the surfing conditions and habits of Internet users. In 1994, Netscape captured 75% of the browsing market in just four months of existence and paved the way for the democratization of the web. A success as dazzling as it was short-lived, when Microsoft marketed Internet Explorer the following year before making it a native component of Windows 95 OSR 1 (OEM), then integrating it into the Windows shell in 1997.
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