Staff Reporter
As the remedy phase of Google’s antitrust trial unfolds, OpenAI has emerged as a potential buyer for Google’s Chrome browser, aiming to transform it into an AI-driven platform.
Reports indicate that the trial, which addresses Google’s monopolistic practices, is at a crucial point. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking various penalties to reshape the company’s business operations following its designation as a monopoly.
One of the most significant proposed measures is the forced sale of Chrome. In light of this, OpenAI has expressed strong interest in acquiring the browser.
Nick Turley, OpenAI’s head of product for ChatGPT, testified during the trial, discussing both the potential sale of Chrome and the DOJ’s proposal for Google to share its search index with competitors.
Turley revealed that OpenAI had previously approached Google to partner on accessing its search API to enhance ChatGPT’s functionality, but Google declined, citing concerns over its market dominance.
When asked about OpenAI’s interest in Chrome, Turley was clear: “Yes, we would, as would many other parties.” With over four billion users and a 67% market share, Chrome represents a significant opportunity for companies looking to expand their influence in the digital sphere.
OpenAI’s interest in Chrome aligns with its reported plans to develop its own Chromium-based browser to compete with Google.
The recent hiring of former Google developers Ben Goodger and Darin Fisher, who played key roles in launching Chrome, underscores OpenAI’s ambitions in this area.
Acquiring Chrome would provide OpenAI with a substantial user base, allowing for seamless integration of its AI capabilities, including ChatGPT, into the browsing experience.
Turley hinted at the potential for an “AI-first” browsing environment, utilizing user data to train advanced AI models that operate on behalf of users.
While the possibility of OpenAI acquiring Chrome has drawn attention, discussions about spinning off Chrome as an independent entity have been limited. Google contends that Chrome would struggle to survive alone, but the existence of lucrative search placement deals—targeted by the DOJ for termination—suggests otherwise.
