zlacker

Firefox should go all the way on this. Exploit bugs, modify binaries, whatever it takes. With user consent of course. If the user says they want Firefox to be their default browser, Firefox is justified in modifying the operating system to achieve that. Ultimately Microsoft is powerless to stop this except by using their antivirus to block installation of Firefox in the first place, and I'd like to see them try that because the blowback would be epic.

>>modele+(OP)
This. Just like in the ol' good days, install an API hook (e.g. with Microsoft Detours[1]) that would patch relevant functions in-memory. Microsoft cannot block this because they'll be breaking lots of existing things (automation tools, gaming overlays, AV software even).

And if MS would want to play it rough and start blocking hook DLLs with permission barriers, make this API patcher a kernel module.

[1]: https://github.com/microsoft/detours

>>modele+(OP)
> Ultimately Microsoft is powerless to stop this except by using their antivirus to block installation of Firefox in the first place

They've already started down that road with s mode, which is default for new installs and not a separate SKU (anymore) that you can avoid.

>>modele+(OP)
Microsoft already warns you that Firefox might be malware and that edge is more secure sometimes. It’s only one step away from a full ban. Decades ago, they got the monopoly treatment for this stuff

>>gentle+Dj
But then Apple

>>gentle+Dj
Isn’t Microsoft gonna get slapped hard by the EU as anti competitive practice? They are already got a fine for that when IE6 was around.

>>modele+(OP)
I mean, people already install what are basically kernel level rootkits so they are able to play competitive multiplayer games. It is no stretch from what is accepted for Firefox to dig into the OS and stand its ground

>>drdaem+s3
Firefox already does Detours-style API hooking -- I was its maintainer for several years.

>>prox+Nk
Maybe but if they can go to court and say that Firefox is malware because it’s intentionally breaking OS security features they’ll probably get away with it.

>>dblohm+yF
What is the API hooking used for?

>>gentle+Dj
It's sad to see them slipping back to such tactics, as they've made strides in changing their image in the last decade or so. I have to wonder if there was one particular good idea fairy there, and it pained the devs to have to code this "feature" in.

>>prox+Nk
It’s a very different world today than when Microsoft went through antitrust proceedings for IE6. Regulatory authorities worldwide are getting more toothless by the day. Heck Apple doesn’t even let you use alternate browsers or install your own apps and they are celebrated for it. On what basis would there be action against Microsoft now?

>>gentle+Dj
"Full ban"? On windows? What does that mean?

>>prox+Nk
There's no such thing as a hard slap to a megacorp when we're only talking in fines.

>>paxys+IR
> Apple doesn’t even let you use alternate browsers

Are you sure that's true? When I was using my MacBook a year ago, I used Chrome with no problems. Set as default and never had to look at Safari again.

One of the points I've made against Microsoft doing this is not even control freak Apple goes this far.

>>nabaki+vV
You can't install different browsers in iOS.

>>teawre+PS
Blacklist all binaries in SmartScreen and Windows Defender, distribute a Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool that deletes it through Windows Update, revoke any Windows or Visual Studio licenses belonging to Mozilla Corp, they have a lot of options actually. But if they tried any of that, there would be consequences.

>>mdoms+DX
From normal user perpective you can, but technically you can’t. Tough comparison for politics.

>>drdaem+s3
Right now, TrustedInstaller is an excellent workaround for many things.

>>mdoms+DX
You can't install different browsers at all? Or do you mean you can't set them as default?

>>nabaki+ub1
You can install different browsers and set them as defaults but all of the browsers on iOS must use webkit.

https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#sof...

>>paxys+IR
Ironically that's the main reason why chrome doesn't dominate the browser market completely.

>>mdoms+DX
Are you sure...? I've been using Firefox as my default browser on iOS for awhile now.

>>hadem+0i1
It's Safari (WkWebView) dressed up as Firefox. That's all Apple lets them do.

>>NmAmDa+Vg1
I would almost prefer a Chromium monoculture over having to deal with supporting WebKit, and I say this as a Firefox user.

>>steve_+5l1
As in Firefox is not rendering content with Gecko, it's rendering via WebKit?

>>hadem+Zm1
Yes. You aren't allowed alternate browser engines on iOS. Every browser in the App Store is Safari wrapped in different skins.

>>drdaem+s3
> make this API patcher a kernel module

You mean an unsigned one?

>>nyanpa+4I
Mostly security and sandboxing stuff.