OpenAI May Acquire Chrome Amid Google Trial

OpenAI is considering acquiring Google’s Chrome browser if antitrust regulators compel Alphabet to sell it, according to testimony from OpenAI executive Nick Turley during Google’s ongoing antitrust trial.

The Justice Department is seeking major structural changes to increase competition in online search, arguing that Google holds a monopoly in search and advertising. While Google intends to appeal the ruling, it has not yet made Chrome available for sale.

Turley also revealed that OpenAI had previously approached Google about integrating its search technology into ChatGPT, citing reliability concerns with OpenAI’s current search provider. However, Google declined due to competitive concerns, ending hopes of collaboration between the two tech giants.

The trial has intensified debates over whether Google’s dominance in search could extend to artificial intelligence, potentially disadvantaging competitors. The DOJ has proposed remedies such as forcing Google to share search data, which Turley argued could help OpenAI enhance ChatGPT’s capabilities.

Meanwhile, Google executives have defended the company, stating that search and AI remain separate fields and that competitors like Microsoft and Meta still pose strong challenges. The outcome of the trial could significantly reshape the digital landscape and competition among AI-powered platforms.