In a significant development for both the tech and AI industries, OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring Google Chrome, the world's most popular web browser, should a court order Google to divest it as part of ongoing antitrust proceedings. This revelation comes as Google faces scrutiny for alleged monopolistic practices in the search and online advertising markets.
According to a report published on April 25, 2025, Google has been accused of using its dominant position to stifle competition, particularly through lucrative agreements to make Google Search the default option on various devices, including those made by Apple and Samsung. The U.S. Department of Justice, alongside several states, has initiated a lawsuit against Google, claiming these practices have severely limited competition in the market.
As the case unfolds, the court is currently considering potential penalties, which may include the forced sale of key assets such as Chrome. This browser boasts over 3.2 billion users globally, making it a highly valuable asset for any company looking to enhance its capabilities in online search and AI.
Nick Turley, head of product at ChatGPT, indicated that OpenAI would be very interested in acquiring Chrome if the court mandates its sale. He stated, "Owning Chrome would significantly enhance our competitive position in the search market, which Google currently dominates." This acquisition could allow OpenAI to integrate its AI technologies directly into the browser, offering users seamless access to advanced features like ChatGPT while browsing.
OpenAI's interest is not just about expanding its user base; it's also about enhancing the overall functionality of its AI offerings. Turley emphasized that search capabilities are crucial for ChatGPT to provide accurate and timely responses to user queries. This integration could redefine how users interact with web content, making AI assistance a standard feature rather than an add-on.
Despite OpenAI's ambitions, Google remains steadfast in its commitment to retaining Chrome. The company is currently investing $7.5 billion in AI technology, aiming to enhance its offerings and maintain its competitive edge. Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, highlighted this commitment during the recent Q1 earnings call, noting that their growth is driven by advancements in AI technologies, including the rollout of the Gemini 2.5 model.
Furthermore, Google's AI Overviews feature, which enhances search results with AI-generated summaries, is reportedly being utilized by 1.5 billion users each month. This demonstrates Google's significant investment in AI, even amidst legal challenges. Pichai reassured stakeholders that Chrome plays a vital role in the company's ecosystem, particularly in relation to its AI initiatives.
However, the landscape is changing. Thomas Monteiro, an analyst at Investing.com, posited that if OpenAI were to acquire Chrome, it would dramatically alter the balance of power in the AI market. He argued that such a move would not only diminish Google's influence but also position OpenAI as a frontrunner in the search engine space, which has been dominated by Google for over a decade.
While OpenAI's interest in Chrome is noteworthy, it is not the only company that could potentially bid for the browser. Other tech giants, including Microsoft and Amazon, might also see an opportunity in acquiring such a valuable asset, further intensifying the competition in the tech sector.
OpenAI previously sought a partnership with Google in mid-2024, aiming to integrate Google's search technology into ChatGPT. However, Google declined the request, citing concerns about collaborating with a direct competitor. As a result, OpenAI turned to Bing for its search needs, indicating the competitive dynamics at play.
As the antitrust case progresses, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for both Google and OpenAI. While Google is appealing the court's decisions and has no immediate plans to sell Chrome, the possibility remains that the court could impose significant changes to the company's structure.
In the meantime, Google continues to report strong earnings, with its recent quarterly results exceeding analyst expectations. This financial stability allows the company to invest heavily in AI technologies, even as it navigates the complexities of legal challenges and market competition.
The antitrust case is still in the phase of considering remedies, with a final decision expected by the end of 2025. Until then, the tech world will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold and what they mean for the future of both Google and OpenAI.
