Google Chrome to Introduce Default Search Engine Choice Feature

Google Chrome is gearing up to shake up its default search engine in Europe, finally giving users a choice beyond Google. But don’t expect a full overhaul – for now, this DNS freedom is still limited to the EU.

Currently available in testing via Canary flags, the change presents fresh Chrome installs with a popup panel listing alternative search engine options pulled from the user’s region. One can then select any of these popular providers to replace Google as their new defaults. The ordering of entries is random for fairness.

It’s a small but still significant shift in choice – and control – for European citizens. Where Google search previously reigned supreme automatically in Chrome, now users actively pick their preferred engine from competitive offerings tailored to their locality. No ultra-huge difference day-to-day perhaps. But symbolically, this signals meaningful movement toward consumer browser preference over Google’s personal interests.