Google joins EC war on Microsoft's browser dominance

Google has backed the European Commission's investigation into Microsoft's dominance of the web browser market.

The investigation was made public last month and was instigated by a complaint from Norwegian browser company Opera.

Sundar Pichai, vice president for product management at Google, said in a blog: "We are applying to become a third party in the European Commission's proceedings."

The European Commission (EC) has confirmed it has sent a statement of objections to Microsoft about the tying of the Internet Explorer browser to the Windows operating system. The EC said: "It harms competition between web browsers, undermines product innovation and ultimately reduces consumer choice."

Earlier this month, Mozilla's Mitchell Baker, whose firm distributes the Firefox browser, said: "Microsoft's business practices have fundamentally diminished - in fact, came very close to eliminating - competition, choice and innovation in how people access the Internet."

Google recently launched its own Chrome web browser. Microsoft still controls around 75% of the browser market.

Read more about the EC and Microsoft:

• EC threatens Microsoft with daily penalties in antitrust case >>
• Microsoft issues response to EC licensing objections >>
• Commissioner sees 'no alternative' to fine for Microsoft >>
• CFI upholds Microsoft anti-competitive ruling >>