Google is currently facing a landmark antitrust trial with the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) that could significantly reshape the future of internet infrastructure—possibly even forcing the company to sell Google Chrome. Though Chrome is not officially up for sale, the possibility has drawn serious attention from tech rivals, especially those involved in AI and search.
The case, which centers around Google's dominance in search, suggests that the company may have unfairly used Chrome and other products to reinforce that dominance—raising concerns about market consolidation, particularly as generative AI becomes central to digital life.
In a surprising twist, OpenAI and Perplexity AI have both expressed interest in acquiring Chrome if regulators force a divestiture:
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OpenAI, during a testimony by ChatGPT head of product Nick Turley, revealed it had approached Google in 2023 about accessing its Search API. After being denied, the company began considering building or buying browser tech to integrate search more deeply with ChatGPT.
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Perplexity AI, an up-and-coming competitor building an AI-powered answer engine, now also wants to buy Chrome. Its chief business officer, Dmitry Shevelenko, who was subpoenaed during the trial, said outright: “I think we could do it,” when asked if another company could manage Chrome without compromising quality.
At the center of this is Chromium, the open-source foundation behind Chrome and several other major browsers like Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Arc. If Chrome is sold, Chromium may go with it, potentially disrupting the entire browser ecosystem. Google warns that a new owner could monetize Chromium or neglect its maintenance, damaging the web at large.
Meanwhile, the DoJ argues that Google’s control over browsers, search, and online infrastructure gives it a powerful head start in AI-driven competition. The fear is that unless checked, Google will continue to dominate the next wave of digital innovation, especially in generative AI.
The trial also highlighted Google's exclusive partnerships with device makers like Samsung and Motorola. While newer deals are less restrictive, the DoJ is pushing for a ban on Google paying to be the default search engine on devices altogether.
As things stand, Chrome remains part of Google, but speculation is heating up, with AI-first companies circling like sharks. The outcome of the trial could not only force a historic divestiture but also dramatically reshape the balance of power in both the browser market and the AI race.
