OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring Google Chrome if the tech giant is forced to sell its dominant browser, revealed during testimony at the ongoing US antitrust trial against Google.
Nick Turley, an OpenAI executive testifying for the US government, confirmed the AI company’s potential bid for Chrome as regulators push to break up Google’s search market monopoly.
With Chrome commanding 64% of global browser market share (per Similarweb data) compared to Apple Safari’s 21%, the potential acquisition could dramatically reshape the digital landscape.
Google has firmly stated Chrome isn’t for sale, calling the antitrust lawsuit misguided. “These proposals would hurt America’s consumers, economy, and technological leadership,” argued Google’s head of regulatory affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland.
How AI Is Ultimately Reshaping Search Competition
The trial examines remedies for Google’s search dominance as generative AI like ChatGPT transforms the market. OpenAI previously attempted to integrate Google search into ChatGPT, but the partnership never materialized.
Instead, OpenAI strengthened its Microsoft alliance, collaborating with Bing and Edge while Google developed rival AI products like Gemini.
The Washington DC trial represents just one front in the US Department of Justice’s campaign against big tech monopolies, with Meta, Amazon and Apple also facing similar scrutiny.
The proceedings coincide with reports that OpenAI may be developing its own social network, potentially competing with Elon Musk’s X platform and its integrated Grok AI tool.
