OpenAI Interested in Buying Google Chrome, Says ChatGPT Product Head

OpenAI, the company behind the ChatGPT family of AI models, has revealed that it is interested in purchasing Google Chrome. Nick Turley, ChatGPT’s head of product, reportedly testified to this during a hearing regarding Google’s antitrust case brought by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday. 

The antitrust case against Google aims to dismantle the company’s monopoly in the search engine ecosystem. The lawsuit is advocating against Google entering into agreements with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and carriers to pre-install their services.

Furthermore, the DOJ also proposed that Google sell its Chrome browser, as it is deemed a huge gateway to its search products. Thus, if it remains a separate entity, it could create an opportunity to include other search providers as the default option.

Perplexity, the AI search engine company, was also asked to testify. The company released a statement saying the best option is to allow people to choose a search product for themselves, instead of breaking up Google by suggesting it sell Chrome. 

“Consumers deserve the best products, not just the ones that pay the most for placement. This is the only remedy that ensures consumer choice can determine the winners,” Perplexity said. “And for OEMs and carriers, you shouldn’t have to pick a side.”

Regarding the separation of Chrome, Google stated that it would introduce cybersecurity and national security risks, as it would disconnect the browser from the company’s technical infrastructure.

“DOJ’s proposal to split off Chrome and Android, which we built at great cost over many years and make available for free, would break those platforms, hurt businesses built on them, and undermine security,” Google said.

Furthermore, Turley also revealed that Google declined an offer from OpenAI concerning the use of Google’s services in ChatGPT. OpenAI was reportedly “experiencing issues with its own search providers” and turned to Google for help.