Parisa Tabriz, the security leader for Google Chrome, has criticized Microsoft for a new strategy involving Bing’s search interface.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tabriz denounced Microsoft’s decision to imitate the design of Google’s homepage, labeling it “another tactic in its long history of tricks to confuse users and limit choice.”

She concluded her statement with sharp words: “New year; new low, Microsoft.”

This criticism comes after Bing introduced a controversial feature that mimics Google’s user interface when users search for “Google” or “Google.com.”

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.

New year; new low @Microsoft https://t.co/LKSNNKB7Hy

— Parisa Tabriz (@laparisa) January 6, 2025

Microsoft’s Sneaky New Bing Interface

When users not signed into a Microsoft account search for Google on Bing, they see a page that looks a lot like Google’s homepage.

Screenshot from: Bing.com, January 2025.

The page has a search bar in the center, a banner with animated figures similar to Google Doodles, and a message saying, “Every search brings you closer to a free donation. Choose from over 2 million nonprofits!”

This message links to the Microsoft Rewards catalog, where users can donate their reward points to nonprofit organizations.

The design makes it hard to see Bing’s branding by scrolling the page slightly down to hide the Bing logo.

Users may only realize they’re still using Bing when they scroll or interact with the page further.

Attempt To Retain Users

Industry observers like The Verge note this move appears targeted at users setting up new Windows PCs, who might initially search for Google through Microsoft Edge’s default Bing search engine.

The design change could potentially retain users who might otherwise switch to Google’s search platform.

Many of these users search for Google to switch their search engine. Microsoft’s change aims to keep users from leaving Bing.

While tech-savvy users may notice this strategy, it might persuade less experienced users to keep searching on Bing, helping Microsoft retain more users.

Broader Context: The Search Engine Wars

This latest tactic highlights the ongoing competition between Microsoft and Google in the search engine market.

Microsoft has employed various strategies to promote its Bing search engine and Edge browser, including pop-ups and changes to Chrome’s download pages.

In parallel, Google has encouraged users to download Chrome and set Google as their default search engine, though its methods haven’t included outright deception.

Google’s and Microsoft’s rivalry remains heated. As of December, Google’s search engine maintained a dominant global market share of 89.74%, while Microsoft’s Bing held 3.97%.

Final Thoughts

As Microsoft continues to push for greater adoption of Bing, the company’s latest tactic raises questions about user trust and transparency.

While the mimicry may boost Bing’s metrics in the short term, the backlash from users and industry leaders could damage Microsoft’s reputation.

Whether Microsoft will address the criticism or double down on its strategy remains to be seen.

Featured Image: kovop/Shutterstock