FAS filed a case against Microsoft after a complaint from Kaspersky Lab

The Federal Antimonopoly Service launched an investigation against Microsoft after a complaint from a domestic antivirus manufacturer, Kaspersky Lab, about the violation of the antimonopoly legislation of the Russian Federation with the wording “on the signs of abuse of dominant position”. The corresponding statement is published on the official website of the FAS.

The basis for contacting the supervisory authority was the change in the Microsoft policy in terms of adaptation to ensure compatibility of third-party products with the Windows 10 operating system. During this time, the company must make changes to its own software after, for example, updating the OS. The term, which was previously 2 months, was reduced to 6 calendar days.

New requirements put antivirus software vendors in a difficult position. It is almost impossible to fulfill the new requirements of Microsoft to adapt products, and the adaptation to new versions of the OS and the stable functioning of antiviruses is crucial for users.
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Deputy Head of FAS Russia Anatoly Golomolzin commented on the situation in the following way:

They reported that Microsoft has reduced the time for antivirus equipment manufacturer to adapt from 2 months to 6 days. In this situation, the manufacturer of the anti-virus equipment does not have the ability to adapt to the changed conditions and obviously loses to the manufacturer of the anti-virus equipment of Microsoft, which has its own software.

In the actions of the company, the regulator saw an abuse of a dominant position in the market, since Microsoft has its own built-in Windows Defender antivirus.

Users, however, most often prefer the development of third-party companies. One of the leaders of the domestic antivirus market is Kaspersky Lab, from which the complaint was received.

Microsoft said that so far they have not received any notifications from FAS Russia. “Microsoft confirms its commitment to the principles of work in accordance with antitrust laws,” the Microsoft press service told RIA Novosti . The company also noted that Kaspersky Lab is a long-time Microsoft partner in various areas.