OpenAI wants to buy Google Chrome

In a surprising revelation during the ongoing antitrust trial against Google, OpenAI’s ChatGPT chief, Nick Turley, stated that the company would be interested in acquiring Google Chrome if the opportunity arose. The comment came as the U.S. Department of Justice explores remedies to reduce Google’s dominance in the search and browser markets. Turley emphasized that gaining control of Chrome could allow OpenAI to introduce users to a truly AI-first browsing experience.

OpenAI eyes Chrome to push AI-first future

Speaking in court, Turley expressed concerns about OpenAI’s difficulty integrating its services on Android, a space currently dominated by Google’s Gemini. With Google owning both the Android platform and the Chrome browser, OpenAI fears being shut out of critical digital entry points like browsers and app stores.

The Department of Justice argues that divesting Chrome and possibly Android would be the only effective way to dismantle Google’s monopoly, opening the door to competition. Turley agreed, noting that Chrome under OpenAI could offer users a browsing environment centered on intelligent, AI-driven interactions.

Google defends its dominance as rivals circle

In response, Google defended its practices, revealing that it pays Samsung to preinstall Gemini on its devices. However, it claims the contract allows for other AI apps to be offered. Despite competition from Microsoft, Meta, and OpenAI, Google insists users prefer its ecosystem and shouldn’t be forced into alternatives.

As the trial unfolds over the next three weeks, the possibility of a major shift in the tech landscape looms, especially if the court mandates Google to part with Chrome. Whether OpenAI or another party steps in, the future of how we access the web could soon look very different.