In a striking revelation during the ongoing U.S. Department of Justice antitrust trial against Google, OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring Google Chrome should the court mandate its divestiture. This statement, made by Nick Turley, OpenAI’s Head of Product, underscores a significant shift in the company’s ambitions from AI development to a potential role in shaping core internet infrastructure.
OpenAI’s interest in Chrome is more than symbolic. Chrome is one of the most influential digital platforms in the world, serving as the primary browser for billions of users globally. For OpenAI, acquiring Chrome would mean direct access to how users interact with the internet a powerful strategic asset that could transform the company’s role in the digital ecosystem.
This development comes as Google faces scrutiny over alleged monopolistic practices in search and digital advertising. The Department of Justice argues that Google has maintained an unfair competitive advantage by locking in default search agreements and prioritizing its own services. In response, Google has signaled its intent to appeal any ruling that deems it a monopoly.
OpenAI’s interest in Chrome complements its broader roadmap to build independent search capabilities. The company is developing its own search index and aims to answer 80% of user queries without relying on external sources by the end of 2025. While ChatGPT is already a widely used AI tool for search-like functions, it still depends on data from platforms like Google and Bing to deliver accurate responses.
Owning Chrome would give OpenAI an unprecedented opportunity to integrate AI and search directly into the user’s browser experience. Such a move could redefine how consumers access information and interact with the web pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in both AI and digital search.
Industry observers view this as more than just a strategic response to legal developments. It signals OpenAI’s intent to grow from a model-building powerhouse into a platform player that can directly influence user behavior at scale.
While there is no guarantee the court will order the sale of Chrome, OpenAI and other tech companies are positioning themselves for potential opportunities. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the ability to adapt and expand beyond traditional verticals is becoming critical.
As the antitrust trial unfolds, the outcome could reshape the future of the internet. Whether Chrome is sold or not, the very fact that OpenAI has expressed interest in such a pivotal asset indicates a broader shift in the company’s trajectory. From revolutionizing natural language processing to potentially redefining web access, OpenAI appears ready to stake its claim well beyond artificial intelligence.
