Kaspersky, as we mentioned in a previous publication, has asked Russia and European Union to investigate practices used by Microsoft in Windows 10 that encourage (and sometimes force) users to replace third-party antivirus with Windows Defender. Apparently, the Russian company managed to mobilize other security product companies from around the world.
Kaspersky said in an article which was posted last week that many other security companies believe Microsoft uses dirty tricks to push users into Windows Defender software, but no one has reported anything so far.
According to SecurityWeek, some companies have already expressed their support for Kaspersky. These include: Panda Labs, F-Secure, and Avira. All of them believe that Microsoft is trying to undercut companies better safety, and some admit that Redmond should change its Windows 10 antivirus policy.
Luis Corrons, Panda Labs's Technical Manager, explains that several European security companies have the same concerns for Microsoft that encourages users to use Windows Defender, saying they will support Kaspersky.
F-Secure CTO Mika Stahlberg takes a more conservative approach, stating that Microsoft's current practice "doesn't allow for the best protection for the end user," while Avira CEO Travis Witteveen said: "Eugene it's okay to be upset.”
Microsoft, on the other hand, doesn't seem concerned at all and says it's always open to communication with Russian authorities and always wants to comply with local laws. At the same time, the company claims that it is not aware of the investigation launched by the Russian government, explaining that "we will look into this once we receive any official notice. "
The European Commission has not yet confirmed that the case is being investigated.
