It might not be the catchiest name, but Google recently announced a new project called the Supporters of Chromium-based Browsers. Think of it in part as a way for Google to stay a part of Chromium, even if the company loses control over the Chrome browser.
Google and Linux Partner to Develop Chromium
In 2008, Google launched both Chrome and what the Chrome browser is built upon – Chromium. Today, Chromium is used in numerous projects, from smart home products to the SpaceX capsule’s control software. Many Chrome alternatives are built on Chromium, such as Brave, Edge, and Opera.
Google has now announced the next step in Chromium’s development: a partnership with The Linux Foundation. The goal is to create a neutral place for developers, leaders, researchers, and the entire open-source community to continue to grow and thrive, even if Google is ordered to step away.
The Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers will be managed by The Linux Foundation. However, any existing Chromium projects remain with the company/organization currently managing them.
The Linux Foundation is well-known for focusing on open governance, community development, transparency, and more. This may encourage more open development on new Chromium projects. Google plans to continue helping fund the project, especially since Google provided around 94 percent of contributions in 2024 alone.
Preparing for a Possible Split From Chrome
After the major antitrust case against Google, the Department of Justice has considered forcing Google to separate from some of its largest products – namely, Android and Chrome. This new project could be Google’s way of starting the split – yet, still remaining a large part of Chromium’s development.
Google’s spent millions on Chromium to keep it going, from running thousands of servers, handling bug reports, and improving the overall code health. So, even if the DOJ pushes for a split, the Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers still lets Google help fund development and have some input into future Chromium projects.
Currently, Microsoft, Meta, and Opera have also pledged support for this initiative. After all, all three use Chromium in their own ways.
Overall, it could be beneficial to have Chromium managed by a larger community. It could lead to more innovation, faster bug fixes, and fewer vulnerabilities. You may even see better features in Chrome itself, especially if it branches out from under Google’s shadow.
Of course, this could also be Google’s way of showing the DOJ how vital the tech giant’s support is to Chromium. Yes, Google is opening up Chromium for more community-driven development, but the company’s not letting go of the reins completely. However, if the DOJ demands a complete split, it could mean ending Google’s support of Chromium completely.
While I love Chromium itself, I’m not the biggest fan of Google’s search, including the way Google’s search update hurt numerous web publishers. That’s why I use Google search alternatives.
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