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During ongoing antitrust proceedings against Google, OpenAI has indicated that it might consider acquiring the Chrome browser—if a legal ruling requires its separation from Alphabet Inc.
Nick Turley, who leads product development at ChatGPT, shared this perspective while testifying in a Washington D.C. courtroom. The U.S. Department of Justice is pressing for remedies to what it sees as Google’s domination of the online search and browser markets. Among the most radical of those proposals is the possible divestiture of Chrome from Google’s ecosystem.
As reported by Reuters, Turley’s remarks make it clear that OpenAI could be among the parties interested in owning Chrome, but only if legal actions lead to its availability for acquisition.
Perplexity AI Pushes Back Against Chrome Separation
In a contrasting position, Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas took to social media platform X to voice strong opposition to the idea of splitting Chrome away from Google. His post, published Monday, previewed his intention to testify on Google’s behalf in the ongoing trial.
In a detailed blog post, Srinivas emphasized that Perplexity’s stance is not simply a defense of Google’s corporate interests. Instead, he argued, the broader implications for browser innovation and the Android ecosystem must be considered. He believes Google’s stewardship of Chrome has driven browser quality to new heights and enabled competition by open-sourcing the Chromium project.
Srinivas outlined two primary points of concern:
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Preserving Chrome Within Google: According to him, Google has demonstrated exceptional performance in building and maintaining Chrome. The browser’s dominance, he argues, is a result of scale, technical excellence, and commitment to open-source standards—particularly through Chromium, which powers browsers like Microsoft Edge and the upcoming Comet by Perplexity.
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Encouraging Openness in Android: Rather than dismantling Chrome, Srinivas suggests Android should offer users and manufacturers greater freedom. He criticizes the current tight integration of default Google apps and services, urging for more flexibility in choosing search engines, voice assistants, and app ecosystems—without being penalized by losing access to essential apps like the Play Store or Google Maps.
The Department of Justice maintains that forcing Chrome’s divestiture could weaken Google’s grip on the digital market and foster a more competitive landscape. However, opponents like Srinivas warn that such a move could backfire, potentially stifling browser innovation rather than enhancing it.
