Google has been under the microscope since a court ruled last year that it has a monopoly on Internet search, but the future of its wide range of digital services is still uncertain at this stage. Last month, the Department of Justice suggested that Google would have to sell the Chrome browser; if the tech giant makes this move, there is already at least one interested buyer.
Bloomberg reports that Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT, spoke today at a hearing on Google’s monopoly situation and was asked if OpenAI would be interested in acquiring Chrome. “Yes, we would, as would many other parties,” he replied. Currently, users can use ChatGPT’s AI assistant in the Chrome browser via a plugin, but Turley says the integration could be deeper if OpenAI owned the browser. Under OpenAI’s hypothetical ownership, Chrome could “introduce users to what a first experience with artificial intelligence looks like.”
Chrome is not the only property Google could lose control of. Earlier this month, a separate judge ruled that Google also engaged in anti-competitive behavior regarding online advertising technology. It is not surprising that any other major tech company would be interested in acquiring one of the many popular services that Google has developed over the years. The only question is which of them will make the purchase so as not to create a new monopoly. For now, the DOJ is allowing Google to continue investing in AI amidst talk of a breakup, but adding a browser to OpenAI’s assets could raise new concerns. As the wheels of justice often turn slowly, it may be some time before we know the outcome of the recent decisions against Google.
