Google Chrome: In a dramatic twist in the ongoing antitrust case against Google, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) may soon force the tech giant to sell its Chrome web browser — and major AI players like OpenAI and Perplexity AI are ready to pounce.
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Google Chrome: Google May Be Forced to Sell Chrome – OpenAI and Perplexity AI Interested in Buying
Why Google Might Be Forced to Sell Google Chrome
The DoJ’s landmark antitrust trial accuses Google of monopolizing the online search market, using its dominance to squash competition and strengthen its position across industries, including artificial intelligence.
Government lawyers argue that Google’s control of Chrome — the world’s most popular browser with over 80% market share — enhances its search monopoly, improving its AI systems and stifling rivals. As part of proposed remedies, the DoJ suggests forcing Google to license its search results to competitors and sell Chrome to restore fair competition.
Google, on the other hand, fiercely defends its business model, arguing that these moves are simply a “wishlist” for competitors and promising to appeal any unfavorable judgment.
OpenAI Wants Chrome
During the trial, Nick Turley, Head of Product for ChatGPT at OpenAI, testified that his company would be very interested in buying Chrome if it’s put up for sale.
Turley explained that search functionality is critical to ChatGPT’s mission to deliver factual, real-time answers. OpenAI had previously reached out to Google in 2023, seeking access to Google’s Search API for ChatGPT — but Google denied the request, citing competitive concerns.
Turley admitted that ChatGPT is still “years away” from building a robust, standalone search engine — making the acquisition of Chrome a tempting shortcut to that goal.
Perplexity AI Also Throws Its Hat in the Ring
Perplexity AI, a rising star in the AI world led by Aravind Srinivas, has also expressed interest.
During his testimony, Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer, said confidently, “I think we could do it,” when asked if any company other than Google could operate Chrome successfully without adding extra costs or sacrificing quality.
Their interest underscores just how crucial browser and search infrastructure have become in the AI arms race.
What About Chromium?
If Chrome is sold, it’s not just the browser at stake. Chromium, Google’s open-source web browser project (which Chrome and even Microsoft’s Edge browser are built on), would likely need to be sold as well.
Google warns that this could destabilise the browser ecosystem — risking new costs or diminished quality. However, the DoJ remains firm, arguing that Google’s overwhelming control over search infrastructure could give it an unfair advantage in AI, and that a breakup is necessary to promote competition.
The Bigger Picture
While Chrome isn’t officially for sale yet, the very possibility has ignited massive interest across the tech sector.
Whether or not the DoJ succeeds, this trial could reshape not only the search and browser markets but also the future of AI development.
Companies like OpenAI and Perplexity are watching closely — and preparing to make big moves if the opportunity arises.
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