Ecosia Proposes Unique Stewardship Model for Google's Chrome

In an unexpected move, Christian Kroll, CEO of Berlin-based nonprofit search engine Ecosia, has proposed that his organization take on a decade-long stewardship of Google's Chrome browser. This bold suggestion was submitted to both Google and U.S. Judge Amit Mehta, who is set to determine remedies following a major antitrust ruling against Google that found the tech giant held an illegal monopoly in internet search and advertising.

The U.S. Department of Justice has suggested that Google might need to divest Chrome entirely. However, Google plans to appeal this decision, while interest from potential buyers has surged. Tech companies like OpenAI and Perplexity have expressed interest, with the latter making a $34.5 billion offer, although this was criticized as insufficient.

Ecosia's proposal stands out, as it seeks to manage Chrome's operations rather than purchase it outright. Kroll argues that Chrome could generate approximately $1 trillion over the next ten years, and suggests that the browser could be worth "hundreds of billions" if put to auction. Under Ecosia's plan, 60% of Chrome’s revenue would support climate-focused projects, in line with the nonprofit’s mission to fund environmental initiatives globally.

The remaining 40% of revenues—estimated at $400 billion—would go back to Google, allowing the company to retain intellectual property rights and remain the default search engine. After the proposed stewardship period, the agreement could be reassessed, potentially passing stewardship to another entity.

Ecosia, which already collaborates with Google through a revenue-sharing agreement, believes it is well-positioned to manage Chrome. Their existing browser is built on the same open-source Chromium engine that underpins Chrome, giving them operational familiarity.

Kroll sees this proposal as an opportunity to prompt Judge Mehta to explore alternative solutions beyond traditional divestitures, which could otherwise keep Chrome’s influence within large tech firms. "We have a history of achieving the seemingly unattainable," Kroll remarks, holding out hope that this unique proposal might inspire fresh thinking on how to handle the case.