European IE ballot screen final

Microsoft posted a final screen shot and description of the Internet Explorer “ballot screen” that will roll out across Europe shortly.

I think the most telling detail is this: the technical explanation appears on Microsoft’s Legal blog, “Microsoft On the Issues.”

The browser choice screen software update will be offered as an automatic download through Windows Update for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7… [it] will present you with a list of leading browsers. In keeping with our agreement with the European Commission, this list is presented in random order. You can also scroll to the right to see additional browsers, which are also presented in random order.

I don’t see anything unexpected. Apparently Windows Update determines your location based on your IP address – so if you travel to Europe, but don’t live there, you may see this screen anyway.