Why Browsers are Essential to the Internet
and How Operating Systems are Holding Them Back
..This report has two purposes: first, to present Mozilla’s research (both recent surveys and
years of knowledge) into consumer interaction with browsers. Secondly, to highlight the
foreclosure of browser engines and independent browsers by operating systems..Examples of consumer harm from operating system
self-preferencing• Limited or frustrated choice – an operating system provider making it difficult
or impossible for a consumer to switch browsers ultimately removes their ability to choose for themselves. It also hampers existing competitors and deters
new products from entering the market and providing increased choice.
• Lower quality – where the monetary price for consumers is zero (as is the
case for browsers) providers might be expected to compete on quality. But
without effective competition from independent browsers, consumers may
receive products which are lower quality.4
• Lower innovation – linked to quality is innovation. Consumers miss out on
developments (for example, improved features and functionality). And a reduced likelihood of disruptive innovation might be accompanied by reduced
choice for consumers.
• Poor privacy – consumers can be left with a product which subjects them to
compulsory data sharing, misuse of data or other privacy harms. These outcomes can be an indication of low quality caused by ineffective competition.
• Unfair contracts – without proper choice, consumers may be forced to enter
into contracts which might be exploitative or unfair...
* The article name Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta and Microsoft as the ‘Five Walled Gardens’
