EU charges Microsoft

The European Union has accused Microsoft of failing to offer a choice of internet browsers with its Windows operating software, which could lead to it being fined billions of dollars.

Three years ago EU regulators ordered the US giant to start offering a choice alongside its own Internet Explorer, in a deal that would let it avoid an anti-trust penalty of up to 10 per cent of global turnover.

Watchdogs said in July that Microsoft had failed for a second time to comply with the order. The company, which blamed technical problems, could face a $7.4bn (£4.6bn) penalty but it is likely to be much less.