OpenAI Wants to Buy Chrome. What Happens if They Get It?
Published On: April 23, 2025
OpenAI has made headlines after expressing interest in acquiring Google’s Chrome browser, if they’re forced to sell it as part of ongoing antitrust proceedings. The statement came during a high-stakes trial in Washington, where the U.S. Department of Justice is pushing for remedies following a ruling that found Google guilty of maintaining a monopoly in online search.
Why chrome?
With over 3 billion users and a dominant 67% share of the browser market, Chrome is one of Google’s most valuable consumer tools. It’s also a key part of Google’s larger strategy—acting as a funnel for traffic to its search engine, advertising network, and AI services.
The DOJ believes Chrome has helped cement Google’s grip on search. As part of its proposal to restore competition, the agency has suggested Google should divest the browser.
What’s in it for OpenAI?
Currently, ChatGPT can be used in Chrome through a browser extension. But with full ownership, OpenAI could overhaul the browsing experience—baking in AI features like real-time assistance, contextual search enhancements, and automation.
Owning a browser on Chrome’s scale would also give OpenAI access to massive volumes of user interaction data. While privacy implications would certainly be part of the debate, this data could help OpenAI fine-tune its AI agents and create more personalized browsing tools.
OpenAI is also reportedly working on its own Chromium-based browser and has already brought on former Chrome engineers. But buying Chrome would fast-track their reach and influence, bypassing the need to build market share from scratch.
The trial stems from a ruling last year by Judge Amit Mehta, who found Google had locked down search dominance through exclusive deals with phone makers like Samsung. These deals often bundled Chrome and other Google services as defaults on Android devices.
Though Google has recently loosened some of these agreements, the DOJ is pushing for stronger actions—such as banning exclusive payments and requiring Google to license its search data to competitors.
Is a sale likely?
Google hasn’t indicated any plans to sell Chrome, and plans to appeal the monopoly ruling. Executives argue that Chrome wouldn’t be viable as a standalone business, and some industry analysts believe Google would fight any forced breakup.
What happens If OpenAI gets Chrome?
- Chrome becomes an AI funnel
Instead of simply displaying web content, Chrome could push ChatGPT-driven suggestions, guiding what you click, where you go, and what you engage with.
- Smaller players get squeezed out
Smaller browsers and AI tools wouldn’t stand a chance if Chrome started favoring OpenAI’s own features and crowding out other options.
- The web becomes less open
If AI controls the browser, search, and recommendations, you’re no longer just browsing; you’re being steered. That limits real choice.
- It deepens tech consolidation
The goal of antitrust enforcement is to break up monopolies, not hand them over to the next dominant player. Giving Chrome to OpenAI risks repeating the same mistake with a new name.