Ecosia proposes 10-year nonprofit stewardship of Google Chrome
Germany-based nonprofit search engine and browser company Ecosia has proposed to operate Google Chrome for 10 years under a foundation/stewardship model. Under the plan, Google would retain ownership and intellectual property while Ecosia would assume operational responsibility and redirect a majority of Chrome’s profits toward environmental projects.
Key points
- Proposal: 10-year stewardship of Chrome by Ecosia as a nonprofit foundation.
- Revenue split: Ecosia proposes ~60% of Chrome profits go to climate and environmental projects; Google would receive ~40%.
- Financial projection: Ecosia projects Chrome could generate around $1 trillion over the next decade, making the split financially significant.
- Ownership/IP: Google would retain ownership and IP rights; Ecosia would manage operations for the stewardship period.
- Existing relationship: Ecosia already uses Google’s search and has a revenue-sharing arrangement; the proposal would deepen that partnership.
Why it matters
Instead of selling Chrome outright as part of antitrust remedies, stewardship could channel billions toward climate work while preserving Google’s IP and potentially improving public perception. The idea is novel and may influence how courts consider divestiture alternatives.
Sources & further reading
Note: This summary omits the original Engadget RSS link mentioned in some reports.