OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring Google Chrome if the U.S. government’s antitrust case forces the tech giant to divest its browser. The disclosure came during courtroom testimony from OpenAI executive Nick Turley.
OpenAI Reveals Rejected Search Partnership During Antitrust Trial
The revelation came during court testimony from OpenAI executive Nick Turley, who appeared on behalf of the government during the ongoing trial. Turley confirmed, “We have no partnership with Google today,” and revealed that OpenAI had previously proposed a search collaboration with the tech giant and the proposal was ultimately rejected.
DOJ Pursues Remedies to Address Google’s Search Monopoly
The antitrust case, held in a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C., centres on the DOJ’s long-standing accusations that Google illegally dominates the online search and advertising markets. Federal courts have already ruled against Google in related cases, declaring the company holds unlawful monopolies in both sectors.
The DOJ is now seeking remedies, including the potential forced sale of Chrome, to address the company’s overwhelming control. Google, however, remains defiant amidst the antitrust case.
Lee-Anne Mulholland, the company’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, said in a blog post that the government’s proposals “would hurt America’s consumers, economy, and technological leadership.”
Chrome’s Market Dominance Fuels Battles in the AI Era
Data from Similarweb shows Chrome leading the global browser market at 64%, with Safari at 21%. The browser’s role is shifting, becoming a vital link in how AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini access and refine online information.
OpenAI’s Microsoft Partnership Shapes Its Strategic Position
OpenAI, having been rebuffed by Google, has secured a strategic partnership with Microsoft, bringing its AI technology to Bing and Edge. This new partnership equips OpenAI with robust distribution channels and compute power, critical to its ambitions in the AI race.
Google Rejects Sale and Seeks Case Dismissal
While the possibility of divestiture looms, Google has firmly stated that Chrome is not being considered for sale. The company is pushing back strongly against the DOJ’s lawsuit, requesting its dismissal.
The trial could ultimately influence the direction of search, browsers, and AI development in the tech sector.
Trial’s Outcome Could Reshape Competition in Big Tech
The legal battle comes at a critical juncture. OpenAI, supported by Microsoft, faces off against Google’s AI ecosystem, led by Gemini, with the stakes extending beyond search engines to the future of digital infrastructure.
Tech giants such as Meta, Amazon, and Apple are closely monitoring the case, knowing its outcome could have far-reaching effects on the entire industry.
OpenAI’s Ambitions Expand Beyond AI Models and Search Engines
OpenAI’s ambitions are extending beyond browsers and search engines. The Verge has reported that the company is considering developing a new social media platform to challenge X (formerly Twitter). Although still in the early stages, these discussions suggest OpenAI is positioning itself as a significant player across multiple digital platforms.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is reportedly looking to differentiate from X’s Elon Musk by creating a platform from scratch, potentially bypassing the legacy issues tied to existing social media networks.
A Big Moment in Tech Regulation
The three-week trial could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. antitrust enforcement. With key issues like browser market share, AI integration in search, and platform control on the table, the stakes are high for both the government and the tech industry. The future of Chrome—whether it remains with Google or shifts to a new contender like OpenAI—depends entirely on the court’s decision.
For now, big tech companies are holding their breath as the trial unfolds, aware that the outcome could reshape the future of digital search and AI.