Microsoft is under fire for using Bing to mimic Google’s homepage, creating confusion among users.
When searching for “Google” on Bing without signing into a Microsoft account, users are presented with a page resembling Google’s interface.
The page features a search bar, a Google Doodle-like image, and similar text styling. Bing even scrolls slightly to hide its own branding, further imitating Google’s look.
Regular Bing searches remain unaffected, but this special interface appears specifically for “Google” queries.
Many users encounter this while setting up new PCs and using Microsoft Edge, potentially influencing their choice of search engines.
Google’s Chrome boss, Parisa Tabriz, criticised the move, calling it “a new low” in Microsoft’s efforts to confuse users and limit their options.
Microsoft has previously used tactics like pop-ups, modified Chrome download pages, and even operating system-level notifications to promote Bing and Edge.
Google, while also encouraging Chrome downloads, has avoided such aggressive methods.
This latest move has sparked fresh debate about fair competition in the tech industry, with critics accusing Microsoft of prioritising user retention over transparency.