Final answer:
Internet Explorer was likely the most widely used web browser in 2014 due to Windows' dominance, but competition from other browsers was increasing, and antitrust cases affected market dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Internet Explorer likely held a dominant position as of 2014 most widely used web browser in the world due to its integration with Windows operating systems, which then commanded a substantial market share.
However, the landscape was undergoing rapid transformation with the surge of alternative browsers and the growing prevalence of mobile browsing.
Notably, Chrome began to make significant inroads as a formidable competitor.
In 2013, Windows systems, commonly bundled with Internet Explorer, operated on over 90% of PCs. Yet, the dynamics shifted swiftly, with emerging contenders challenging the status quo.
By 2015, legal disputes over antitrust concerns involving major tech companies further influenced the evolving browser market scenario, marking a pivotal period in the competition for user preference.
So, as of 2014, Internet Explorer was likely the most widely used web browser.