Microsoft is disguising Bing as Google Search’s homepage when users search for “Google.” Google isn’t happy with this tactic, as Google Chrome‘s chief describes it as a ‘new low’ for Microsoft.”
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Microsoft spoofing the Google homepage is another tactic in its long history of tricks to confuse users & limit choice,” said Parisa Tabriz, Google’s Chrome Chief, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “New year; new low Microsoft.”
When users search for “Google” on Bing while not signed into a Microsoft account, the page automatically scrolls to hide the Bing logo and displays a search interface that closely resembles Google’s homepage, complete with a similar layout and design elements mimicking Google’s signature doodles.
The deceptive interface appears to target new Windows PC users who might be attempting to navigate to Google through their default Microsoft Edge browser. Once users interact with the Google-like interface, they remain within Bing’s ecosystem rather than reaching their intended destination.
This latest tactic adds to Microsoft’s growing list of controversial attempts to retain users on its platforms. Previously, Microsoft had displayed warning messages when users attempt to download Chrome. Another instance had pop-up advertisements showing up on the Windows to promote Edge and Bing.
While Google employs its own methods to encourage Chrome adoption, such as displaying notifications on its websites, these practices have generally been less aggressive than Microsoft’s system-level interventions.