“It’s not absurd, right?” Christian Kroll, CEO of Berlin-based nonprofit search engine Ecosia, suggests his company should take over Google’s Chrome browser for a 10-year “stewardship” instead of it being sold to a competitor.
Ecosia’s Clever Proposal
Ecosia has submitted a proposal to Google and U.S. Judge Amit Mehta regarding the future of Chrome. This proposal comes after the Department of Justice requested Google to divest itself from Chrome due to an illegal monopoly in internet search and advertising.
Competitors, including OpenAI and Perplexity, have shown interest in acquiring Chrome, with Perplexity offering $34.5 billion. However, Ecosia believes Chrome’s potential revenue could reach $1 trillion over the next decade, making an auction for its ownership a significant event.
Ecosia’s Proposal
Ecosia aims to manage Chrome for free, retaining 60% of the revenue generated by its users. The remaining 40% ($400 billion) would be paid to Google, with promises to invest those funds in climate projects aligning with Ecosia’s mission.
The Future of Chrome
Ecosia, already in a revenue-sharing partnership with Google, believes it is well-equipped to handle the stewardship of Chrome. The proposal also includes maintaining employment for Chrome staff, ensuring a smooth transition.
In Conclusion
Christian Kroll’s goal is to present alternative solutions to the typical divestiture options, aiming to keep Chrome’s power away from big tech companies. Time will tell if Ecosia’s proposal will be considered and what changes it may bring.
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