Old habits die hard: Microsoft tries to limit our options, this time with AI
9 hours ago
- #AI Ethics
- #Microsoft
- #User Choice
- Microsoft rolled back Copilot from core Windows apps like Photos and Notepad after user backlash, admitting they had been too forceful.
- Mozilla research shows Microsoft has a pattern of using dark patterns to override user choice, such as complicating default browser changes and forcing Edge usage in Windows 11.
- Firefox introduced a centralized AI Controls panel in version 148, allowing users to easily block AI enhancements and maintain control across updates.
- The article argues that Microsoft's actions shape expectations, making users feel they must complain to regain control, and hinder competition by steering users to Microsoft products.
- The stakes are high as such practices undermine user autonomy and the vision of an internet where people control their devices and data.