Small programs embedded in web pages and other applications. ActiveX controls can be used to implement both auxiliary elements (buttons, switches, etc.) and individual features (audio/video playback, animation). The technology was developed by Microsoft and deployed actively until the release of Windows 8. ActiveX controls are still supported in Internet Explorer, but not Edge.
Information security experts warn that ActiveX content can be used by intruders, for example, to download malware onto a user’s computer.