Today, the European Commission has issued a €561 million fine to Microsoft. Why this time? In 2009, the company had committed to improve consumers' autonomy by adding a browser choice screen enabling them to easily choose a program different than the default one. According to the Commission, Microsoft failed to roll out the browser choice screen with its Windows 7 Service Pack 1 from May 2011 until July 2012. The fine is therefore inflicted on the basis of Microsoft's abuse of dominant position, taking into account the necessity to ensure a deterring effect. Is that appropriate? The CJEU will probably have to decide this, if the company decides to appeal the decision.
