1. Is the Commission aware that Microsoft, which controls 92 % of personal computers in the world, began on 31 May 2001 to offer its customers a new, automatic unsolicited service designated "smart tags", involving Internet sites and office documents, which, by means of on-screen icons, provides "relevant links" to, initially, only Microsoft-related websites selected and edited in a manner beyond any third-party influence?

2. How does the Commission view the possibility that Microsoft is using its dominant position in the field of Internet browsers and operating systems to tie consumers to information it controls by foisting "smart tags" on consumers and firms (and their employees) in so far as they are a feature of Office XP, Internet Explorer 6 and Windows XP?

3. Can the Commission confirm that it is difficult, costly and time-consuming for all concerned to replace Microsoft "smart tags" by a different feature, if desired, in so far as any such feature is available from competitors, as publishers must first develop files, at great cost, an HTML code must be attached to all pages on an Internet site and consumers must download and install the files?

4. Does the Commission regard it as satisfactory that, as a result of a host of complaints from various countries, Microsoft decided on a six-month deferral on using "smart tags" within Windows XP, launched on 25 October 2001, while keeping open the option of re-enabling the feature when the time is ripe, making it possible still to acquire total domination over the Internet?

5. What action does the Commission propose to take to bring about greater freedom and diversity of information and, at least for users in Europe, increase the scope for ensuring that they are not confronted with unsolicited Microsoft "smart tags", e.g. by introducing an opt-in requirement under which users would have to give prior express consent allowing their information material to be influenced by "smart tags" and would be able immediately to dispense with them at any time?