Kaspersky Lab takes legal action against Microsoft over unfair competition
Russian cyber security firm Kaspersky Lab has filed a lawsuit against US software giant Microsoft over alleged abuse of its dominant position and unfair competition in the market of operation systems in the EU.
The Russian company applied to the European Commission and Germany’s Federal Cartel Office.
Kaspersky Lab claims that shortly after the Windows 10 operating system was released, Microsoft created obstacles for rival producers of computer protection software.
Moreover, Microsoft tried to persuade users to abandon third-party software for its antivirus Windows Defender, according to Kaspersky.
“These actions result in poor standards of security for users, limiting their rights of choice and financial losses for both users and security systems producers,” the company said as quoted by Russian business daily Kommersant.
Microsoft reportedly reduced the period for independent developers to adapt their antivirus software to the Windows 10 operating system to just six days, compared with two months for earlier versions.
Also, users cannot delete or switch off Microsoft’s Windows Defender.
READ MORE: Russia's Kaspersky Lab, Intel & Europol take on ransomware
Last year, Russia’s antimonopoly watchdog opened an investigation into accusations Microsoft forced customers to use its security software.
The US corporation has denied the charge. However, other antivirus producers, including ESET and Dr.Web support the claims of Kaspersky Lab.
