OpenAI Says It Would Buy Google Chrome If It Went Up for Sale Amid Antitrust Trial
As Google faces scrutiny in a major U.S. antitrust case, OpenAI is signaling its interest in acquiring one of the tech giant’s most valuable assets — the Chrome browser.
During a hearing on Tuesday, Nick Turley, head of product for ChatGPT at OpenAI, told a federal court that the company would be eager to purchase Google Chrome if it were ever offered for sale. The statement came as part of testimony in the U.S. Department of Justice’s ongoing case against Google for alleged monopoly practices in the online search market.
According to Bloomberg, Turley said such an acquisition would enable OpenAI to deliver “a really incredible experience” and demonstrate what an “AI-first browser” could look like.
Why It Matters
Turley’s remarks come amid mounting speculation that OpenAI is working on its own web browser — a strategic move that could directly challenge Chrome, the world’s most widely used browser. Earlier this year, OpenAI hired Ben Goodger and Darin Fisher, two former Google engineers who were instrumental in the original development of Chrome. Their recruitment suggests serious ambitions within OpenAI to redefine how users interact with the web using AI.
DOJ’s Push for Google to Divest Chrome
The DOJ’s antitrust case argues that Google has unlawfully maintained a monopoly in search by using its dominance in browsers and default settings. As a remedy, the department has reportedly proposed that Google be forced to divest Chrome, potentially opening the door for other tech companies to bid on the asset.
OpenAI’s Growing Ecosystem
The idea of OpenAI acquiring Chrome may seem far-fetched, but it aligns with the company’s broader push to integrate AI into daily internet experiences. Its flagship product, ChatGPT, already offers web browsing features in its Pro and enterprise plans. A purpose-built AI browser would allow OpenAI to bring that experience front and center, possibly changing how millions access the web.
With AI-powered search and personalized content delivery on the rise, controlling a browser like Chrome would give OpenAI unprecedented reach — and a competitive edge over rivals such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google itself.
While there’s no indication that Google plans to sell Chrome, the possibility of divestiture as a legal remedy has sparked bold ideas, and OpenAI isn’t shy about expressing interest. Whether through acquisition or in-house development, it’s becoming clear that AI-native browsing experiences could be the next frontier in the battle for digital dominance.
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