Corporate endorsement of content on MS Edge browser homepage

Legally, no. Microsoft is not liable. Under internet laws (like Section 230 in the United States), platforms that automatically aggregate third-party content are treated like a "newsstand," not a "publisher." Because Microsoft isn't writing the articles, they are protected from liability. Furthermore, "aiding and abetting" legally requires intentional help to commit a specific crime, which does not apply to an automated news algorithm.

If the content is bothering you, the best solution is simply to turn it off. You have total control over the homepage:

Open a new tab in Microsoft Edge.

Click the Gear icon (Page Settings) in the top right corner.

Scroll down to the Content dropdown menu and change it to Content off.

This will leave you with a clean, distraction-free search page.