Edge May Block ChatGPT Atlas Downloads to Retain Users

• Microsoft Edge may block ChatGPT Atlas downloads, mirroring its strategy against Google Chrome.
• Three new flags in Edge Canary indicate Microsoft's plans to intercept Atlas-related downloads.
• This is a pre-emptive move against ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-first browser still in early development for Windows.
• Edge already uses AI (Copilot), but Atlas's 'Agent Mode' for multi-step tasks poses a new competitive threat.
• Microsoft risks user backlash if AI features become too intrusive, similar to Mozilla's Firefox experience.

Why It Matters: Microsoft Edge is taking pre-emptive steps to block ChatGPT Atlas downloads to keep users.