OpenAI would buy Google’s Chrome, exec testifies at trial

By | April 23, 2025

OpenAI Eyes Google Chrome Amid DOJ Antitrust Push

In a surprising twist during the ongoing antitrust trial against Google, OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring the Chrome browser—if the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) forces Google to divest the platform. This disclosure came during testimony from OpenAI’s Head of Product, Nick Turley, highlighting the strategic importance of browsers in shaping the future of AI and internet interaction.

DOJ vs. Google: A Battle for Market Fairness

The DOJ’s landmark lawsuit accuses Google of abusing its dominance in search and digital advertising, largely through exclusive deals with device makers and browser developers. The government argues that Google’s control of key access points to the web—including its Chrome browser and default search agreements—has stifled innovation and limited consumer choice.

Judge Amit Mehta is currently hearing potential remedies. One option under consideration: forcing Google to divest Chrome, the world’s most popular browser, used by over 60% of global internet users.

Why Chrome Is Valuable to OpenAI

Turley’s testimony made clear that Chrome could be a game-changer for OpenAI. With its mission to embed artificial intelligence in everyday life, OpenAI sees Chrome as the perfect platform to deliver an “AI-first” web browsing experience.

Integrating AI directly into a browser would allow ChatGPT to offer:

  • Conversational search
  • Personalized recommendations
  • AI-driven web summaries
  • Smarter content interactions

Currently, OpenAI depends on Microsoft Bing for real-time search features within ChatGPT. While effective, this limits OpenAI’s control over the user experience. Acquiring Chrome would give OpenAI its own gateway to the web, offering tighter integration between its AI tools and the browsing process.

Failed Talks With Google Sparked Interest

Turley revealed that OpenAI once approached Google to discuss integrating its AI into Google Search. Those discussions didn’t progress, as Google had its own AI ambitions.

This rejection pushed OpenAI to explore new options. Chrome—if separated from Google—would offer a rare chance to reimagine the browser as an intelligent assistant, not just a search conduit.

Google’s Defense: Innovation at Risk

Google argues that forced divestment of Chrome would harm consumers and reduce innovation. The company insists that its default search deals and browser ecosystem create a smoother, more consistent web experience.

“Breaking up our products won’t help users—it will hurt them,” Google contends.

Chrome serves as a key delivery mechanism for Google Search, personalized ads, and other services. Losing control of it could limit Google’s ability to compete in an AI-first future.

DOJ’s Proposed Remedies: What’s at Stake

The DOJ is considering remedies that include:

  • Breaking up Google’s search and browser businesses
  • Ending exclusive deals with Apple and Android OEMs
  • Introducing more search engine options by default

If the court sides with regulators, it could open the door to more competition and new consumer tools. But it would also shake the foundations of how people access the internet.

AI-Powered Browsing: What the Future Could Look Like

If OpenAI acquires Chrome, users might experience:

  • ChatGPT answering questions instead of search pages
  • Browsing experiences tailored by AI to user intent
  • In-browser summarization of news, research, and emails
  • Context-aware suggestions for content and shopping

This shift would represent a dramatic departure from today’s keyword-based search models, creating a seamless, conversational web.

A Tech Turning Point

The potential sale of Chrome marks a pivotal moment in the battle over the internet’s future. If OpenAI succeeds, it could redefine what browsers do—and how people use the web.

But the legal battle isn’t over. Even if the court orders Google to spin off Chrome, it’s unclear who would get it, or whether regulators would approve a sale to another tech giant like OpenAI.

Still, the interest alone shows how AI is reshaping the competition for digital attention. As OpenAI positions itself at the center of this shift, Chrome could be the tool it needs to fully enter the mainstream consumer space.