Ecosia Makes Radical Offer to Run Google Chrome, Pledging 60% of Profits to Climate Action

In an unconventional move, the Germany-based nonprofit search engine and browser, Ecosia, has made a formal proposal to take over the operational responsibility of Google Chrome. The offer comes as Google faces a potential forced sale of its dominant web browser following a U.S. Department of Justice ruling that its search business constitutes a monopoly.

While other major tech companies are reportedly pitching themselves as potential buyers, Ecosia’s proposal is fundamentally different. Instead of an outright sale, Ecosia is offering a ten-year “stewardship” arrangement where it would manage the browser, dedicate the majority of its profits to environmental projects, and still provide a substantial financial return to Google.

The Details of the Stewardship Proposal

Ecosia’s plan would see it assume operational control of Chrome for a decade without paying any upfront fee. Under the proposed arrangement:

• Google would retain ownership and all intellectual property rights to Chrome.
• Ecosia would dedicate 60% of Chrome’s profits to funding climate and environmental initiatives.
• The remaining 40% of the profits would be given back to Google.

This is a significant financial proposition. Ecosia projects that Chrome could generate as much as $1 trillion in revenue over the next ten years, meaning Google could still receive hundreds of billions of dollars without the regulatory burden of owning the world’s most popular browser.

A Creative Solution to a Regulatory Nightmare

The proposal comes as Google is planning to appeal the DOJ’s monopoly ruling. However, the threat of being forced to divest Chrome has opened the door for potential new owners. Ecosia’s offer presents a unique alternative to selling the browser to a for-profit competitor like Microsoft or Apple.

For Google, this “stewardship” route could be an attractive option for several reasons:

• Positive Public Relations: Handing operational control to a well-regarded environmental nonprofit could be a major PR win.
• Financial Upside: Google would continue to earn a significant share of the profits without the associated antitrust liabilities.
• An Existing Partnership: The two companies already have a close working relationship. Google currently powers Ecosia’s search engine through an established revenue-sharing agreement.

While the idea may seem unconventional, placing Chrome in the hands of a nonprofit partner rather than a direct rival could offer Google a strategic and financially sound way to comply with the court’s potential remedies while preserving its influence and revenue streams. The proposal highlights the creative solutions being considered as the future of the world’s most popular web browser hangs in the balance.