OpenAI signals interest in buying Chrome if Google is forced to sell

Amid an ongoing antitrust case against Google, OpenAI has unexpectedly expressed its willingness to acquire the Chrome browser should a court order its divestiture.

ChatGPT’s Head of Product, Nick Turley, made the statement during hearings, according to Reuters. The case is being overseen by Judge Amit Mehta, who has previously ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly in online search.

As part of potential remedies, the court is considering forcing Google to sell Chrome and terminate its exclusive agreements with device manufacturers. While Google plans to appeal, OpenAI has already indicated it would be ready to step in as a buyer.

It also emerged that OpenAI attempted to partner with Google last year to integrate its search technology into ChatGPT. In court documents, OpenAI noted that Bing — its current search partner — struggles with quality and that Google could help improve its offering. Google, however, declined the proposal.

Analysts suggest that OpenAI’s interest in Chrome is driven not just by search ambitions, but also by the opportunity to gain direct access to users and data. Judge Mehta will ultimately decide whether Google must be broken up and Chrome spun off as a separate asset.