Google Chrome is the world's second favourite web browser

GOOGLE'S progress towards global domination continues after the search giant's own web browser, Chrome, overtook Mozilla Firefox to become the world’s second most popular programme for viewing the internet.

Launched three years ago, the browser now has a market share of 25.7 per cent, according to web analytics company StatCounter. That is more than Firefox, which now accounts for 25.25 per cent of the market despite starting the year with a share of more than 30 per cent. Out in front is Microsoft's Internet Explorer which is still the browser of choice for more than 40 per cent of web users.

However, StatCounter CEO Aodhan Cullen said: "The pace of growth of Chrome suggests that it will become a real rival to Internet Explorer globally."

He added: "Chrome has been highly effective in ensuring downloads [and] our stats show that people are actually using it to access the web."

Chrome's growth has been impressive. In November 2009 it had just a 4.5 per cent market share and was on a par with the likes of Opera and Safari. According to StatCounter, Chrome's popularity has risen by 10 per cent this year, while IE and Firefox have both lost ground. It became the second most popular browser in the UK, again overtaking Firefox, in August.

DigitalTrends says the browser's regular updates have increased its popularity. "Using a six-week revision cycle... Google has been able to roll out speedy updates and improve the speed at which users can browse the web," it explains.

It is good news for the search company that has branched out into mobile phones, social networks and last month launched a new music service. ·