OpenAI Shows Interest in Buying Chrome If Google is Forced to Sell

During a recent court hearing in Google’s high-profile antitrust trial, OpenAI’s Nick Turley surprised many. He said OpenAI would be interested in buying Google Chrome, if it ever became available for sale. This is not just any product — Chrome is the world’s most popular web browser.

Though no price has been mentioned, Chrome is considered a major revenue channel for Google. Its browser dominates the market with more than 60% global share. Any sale would involve billions of dollars.

The idea surfaced while Turley was testifying for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The trial is part of a legal push to curb Google’s dominance in online search and browser distribution.

Why is Google Being Forced to Sell Chrome?

The DOJ accuses Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly in the online search market. According to the court’s findings, Google has long used Chrome’s popularity to promote its search engine unfairly.

By making Google Search the default on Chrome, the company allegedly blocked competitors from gaining visibility. Regulators argue this hurt innovation and gave Google too much power.

To fix this, the DOJ wants drastic changes. One proposal: make Google divest Chrome. This would separate the browser from the search giant and open the market to fairer competition.

Why Does OpenAI Want Chrome?

Turley, who leads ChatGPT at OpenAI, shared a vision for a more AI-friendly browsing experience. He said owning Chrome could help OpenAI deliver a “really incredible experience” to users.

The idea is to turn the browser into an AI-first platform. This would mean users could interact with web content through ChatGPT, get page summaries instantly, or even navigate using natural language.

Interestingly, OpenAI has already hired ex-Google engineers Ben Goodger and Darin Fisher. Both helped build Chrome in its early days. That’s a strong hint that OpenAI is already thinking seriously about building or reimagining a browser.

What Would It Look Like If OpenAI Acquired Chrome?

If OpenAI were to own Chrome, we could expect major changes. The browser could come packed with ChatGPT at its core.

Browsing could feel more like a conversation. Instead of clicking through multiple pages, users might just ask ChatGPT to fetch or summarize information. It could also automate tasks like filling forms, booking tickets, or translating text.

But it’s not without concerns. Google’s search engine is deeply baked into Chrome. Replacing it or even modifying the default experience could disrupt millions of users. Security, data handling, and extension support would all need rethinking.

There’s also the question of trust. OpenAI would need to prove it can handle such a widely used platform responsibly.

Would Chrome Still Be Chrome Without Google?

That’s the big question. Google built and grew Chrome into a household name. But separating it from the company might change how it functions.

While OpenAI may bring innovation, some users could miss the tight integration with Google services like Gmail, YouTube, and Drive.

So, while the prospect is exciting, it’s also uncertain.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a done deal. Chrome hasn’t been put up for sale, and it’s unclear if the court will even force that outcome.

But OpenAI’s interest shows one thing clearly — AI is no longer just about chatbots. It wants to change how we browse, work, and explore the internet. Whether it gets Chrome or builds its own browser, OpenAI seems ready to reshape the web experience.