In a surprising revelation during a federal court hearing, Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, said the company would be interested in buying Google’s Chrome browser if the court forces Alphabet Inc. to divest it.
OpenAI’s Ambition to Own Chrome
Turley made the statement while testifying in a landmark antitrust trial against Google, led by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). When asked if OpenAI would try to acquire Chrome if the court orders its sale, he responded, “Yes, we would, as would many other parties.”
Currently, ChatGPT is available as an extension in Chrome. But Turley hinted that owning the browser could give OpenAI full control over how AI interacts with users on the web.
“You could offer a really incredible experience,” Turley explained. “We would have the ability to introduce users to what an AI-first experience looks like.”
Trial Could Reshape Tech Landscape
The trial, expected to wrap up soon, is focused on Google’s dominance in the online search market. Judge Amit Mehta is set to rule by August. Remedies proposed by the DOJ include:
- Forcing Google to sell Chrome
- Ending exclusive deals for search placements
- Licensing Google’s search data to rivals
If approved, it would mark the first court-ordered breakup of a major U.S. tech firm since AT&T in the 1980s.
Apple In, Android Out for ChatGPT
Turley also revealed OpenAI’s struggles to expand ChatGPT on Android. While Apple has welcomed ChatGPT integration on iPhones, Android manufacturers—especially Samsung—have been harder to crack due to Google’s spending power.
“It was not a lack of trying,” Turley said. “We never got to a point where we could discuss concrete terms.”
Fears of Being Shut Out
Turley voiced concern over tech giants like Google controlling how users discover apps, saying, “We have powerful competitors who control the access points.” He emphasized that user choice is essential for fair competition.
With more than 400 million weekly users, OpenAI’s ChatGPT continues to grow rapidly—exceeding 2024 goals already. If the court rules in their favor, Chrome could become a key part of OpenAI’s AI-first internet vision.
