Since September 2008, Google Chromium, an open-source web browser project, has served as the foundation for many popular web browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. It has also remained primarily a Google-driven initiative.
Also: The best secure browsers for privacy
Now, the Linux Foundation has announced the creation of a new initiative called “Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers.” Set to launch on Jan. 9, 2025, this project aims to strengthen open development and encourage the creation of new Chromium-based web browsers.
‘Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers’
The Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers will provide a neutral space where developers and the broader open-source community can collaborate to support Chromium projects. Existing Chromium projects will remain under their current owners, while any new browsers will be housed under the Linux Foundation.
Chrome will remain an independent Google project. There are numerous differences between Chrome and Chromium. These include:
- No Automatic Updates: Chromium lacks the automatic update feature present in.
- No Google Service Integration: Chromium doesn’t include deep integration with Google services like Chrome Sync by default.
- Codecs: Chromium doesn’t include licensed codecs for H.264 video and AAC audio formats.
- Digital Right Management (DRM): Google’s Widevine DRM module is not included in Chromium.
Major tech companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Opera, have already pledged their support for this initiative. Together, they will provide crucial funding and development support for open-source projects related to Chromium-based browsers.
Google’s VP of Chrome, Parisa Tabriz, said in a statement, “With the incredible support of the Linux Foundation, we believe the Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers is an important opportunity to create a sustainable platform to support industry leaders, academia, developers, and the broader open-source community in the continued development and innovation of the Chromium ecosystem.”
Also: 5 browser extension rules to live by to keep your system safe in 2025
Jim Zemlin, the Linux Foundation’s executive director, added, “With the launch of the Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers, we are taking another step forward in empowering the open-source community. This project will provide much-needed funding and development support for open development of projects within the Chromium ecosystem.”
Microsoft is also clearly on board. “Microsoft is pleased to join this initiative, which will help drive collaboration within the Chromium ecosystem. This initiative aligns with our commitment to the web platform through meaningful and positive contributions, engagement in collaborative engineering, and partnerships with the community to achieve the best outcome for everyone using the web,” said Meghan Perez, VP of Microsoft Edge.
An open governance model
The Supporters of Chromium-Based Browsers will follow an open governance model, drawing inspiration from other successful Linux Foundation initiatives. A technical advisory committee (TAC) will be formed to guide the initiative’s development and ensure it meets the needs of the broader Chromium community.
Also: I found a malicious Chrome extension on my system – here’s how and what I did next
This opening up of Chromium is a policy change from Google. In 2021, Google locked down access to many Chrome application programming interfaces (API) from Chromium. Google did this because “third-party Chromium-based browsers integrating Google cloud-based features, such as Chrome sync and Click to Call, that were intended only for Google Chrome users.”
Such moves caused many developers to dismiss Chromium as “It’s technically open source, but nearly useless for anything but consumption straight from Google. I’d say that that makes it practically not open source.”
Why is Google changing its tune?
Chromium has been humming along just fine for nearly 20 years. Except for Firefox, all major web browsers are already based on Chromium, developer headaches and all.
Also: Update Chrome and Firefox now to patch these critical security flaws
Perhaps this move addresses the Department of Justice’s claims that Google violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by stifling competition. If Chromium becomes truly open, it will help deal with the thought that Chromium and Chrome are the front end of an exclusive and restrictive search and advertising software stack.
Open Source
