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.