OpenAI Wants to Buy Google Chrome to Create an AI First Browser—What It Means for the Future of Search

As part of the DOJ’s antitrust case, OpenAI expresses interest in acquiring Chrome from Google. Explore the implications of an “AI first browser” and how this could reshape the internet.

Introduction: A Browser at the Center of a Legal Tech Storm

In a move that could dramatically reshape the digital landscape, OpenAI—the company behind ChatGPT—is eyeing Google Chrome as a potential acquisition target. This surprising revelation came during the remedy phase of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) high-profile antitrust trial against Google.

While many remedies have been suggested to rein in Google’s monopolistic dominance in search, one of the boldest is the potential forced divestiture of Chrome—used by over 4 billion people worldwide.

OpenAI’s interest in acquiring Chrome has sparked major discussion across the tech industry. More than just a browser, Chrome represents a gateway to the internet for the majority of users.

If OpenAI succeeds in acquiring it, the company plans to transform it into an AI first browser—an entirely new kind of user experience centered around artificial intelligence.

But what does that mean for users, developers, advertisers, and competitors? Let’s break it all down.

The DOJ vs. Google: A Legal Battle With Massive Implications

The remedy phase of the DOJ’s case against Google has focused on how best to counteract the company’s monopolistic behavior. After being ruled a search monopoly, the DOJ is now seeking sweeping changes to Google’s business operations.

Among the more extreme remedies proposed: force Google to sell off key business units—like Chrome. Though Judge Amit Mehta has shown some skepticism, the DOJ insists Chrome is central to Google’s anticompetitive behavior, citing its influence on default search settings, user tracking, and ad revenue dominance.

The idea is simple but radical—sever Google’s control of the browser most people use and level the playing field.

OpenAI Steps In: “Yes, We Would Want Chrome”

One of the more eye-opening moments in the trial came when OpenAI’s Nick Turley, head of product for ChatGPT, testified that the company would be interested in acquiring Chrome should Google be forced to divest it.

Turley didn’t mince words. When asked if OpenAI would want to buy Chrome, he said:

“Yes, we would, as would many other parties.”

This admission signals a broader ambition from OpenAI: to go beyond being a backend AI provider and become a front-facing tech giant shaping how people experience the internet.

Why Chrome? Why Now?

There are several compelling reasons why OpenAI might want to own Chrome:

• Massive User Base: Chrome controls nearly 67% of the global browser market, with billions of users.
• Default Gateway to Search: Chrome is often the default gateway to Google Search. Owning the browser could shift user behavior towards OpenAI products.
• Data Pipeline: Browsers are a goldmine for user data—valuable for training AI models and building agentic tools that interact with the web on behalf of users.
• Platform for AI Integration: With full control, OpenAI could embed ChatGPT or other LLMs directly into the browsing experience, creating a seamless AI first browser environment.

A Vision for an AI First Browser

Turley outlined a vision where AI would be deeply embedded into the browser, transforming how users interact with the internet.

Rather than typing in search queries and navigating tabs manually, users could:

• Ask questions in natural language.
• Summon AI agents to complete tasks.
• Get personalized, context-aware recommendations.
• Automate browsing routines and research.

In essence, the browser would evolve from a passive tool into an intelligent assistant—guiding, curating, and even acting on behalf of users in real-time.

OpenAI’s Secret Browser Plans Revealed

Even before the trial, OpenAI was rumored to be building its own Chromium-based browser. The company has hired several high-profile ex-Google engineers, including Ben Goodger and Darin Fisher, two of the key developers behind Chrome’s original success.

This hiring spree underscores OpenAI’s seriousness about entering the browser wars. If acquiring Chrome becomes a legal possibility, it could shortcut years of development and immediately give OpenAI the market dominance it needs to implement its AI first browser vision.

OpenAI, Microsoft, and the Search Wars

It’s no secret that OpenAI and Microsoft are tightly aligned. Microsoft has invested billions into OpenAI, integrating ChatGPT into its own products like Bing, Edge, and Copilot.

However, Turley’s testimony hinted at dissatisfaction with the search data Microsoft has been able to provide. According to internal communications shown during the trial, OpenAI directly approached Google to request access to its search API—saying it would enable them to build a better product.

Google rejected the proposal, citing concerns over competitive risk.

This denial seems to have pushed OpenAI to pursue more aggressive strategies, like potentially buying Chrome outright.

The Case Against Chrome’s Independence

Interestingly, Google has argued that Chrome can’t function as an independent entity—that it depends heavily on Google’s ecosystem and infrastructure to thrive.

Critics reject this claim, pointing to:

• Chrome’s established user base
• The open-source Chromium engine
• Billions in annual advertising and data value
• Developer familiarity and web standard influence

Moreover, many suggest that if Chrome were made independent or sold to a neutral third party, it could actually foster greater innovation and user trust.

AI + Browsing = The Next Platform Shift?

The concept of a browser powered by artificial intelligence is part of a broader trend in tech. As models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini become more powerful, there’s growing interest in agentic AI—systems that can not only generate text or images, but also take actions online.

Imagine a world where your browser can:

• Book flights
• Draft emails
• Conduct research
• Shop for deals
• Summarize documents
• Fill out forms

All without you having to click, scroll, or search manually.

This is the future OpenAI seems to be aiming for—and Chrome could be the launchpad.

Competition Heats Up: Other Interested Parties?

OpenAI may not be the only company interested in acquiring Chrome. If the DOJ forces a divestiture, it’s likely that other tech giants—or even a consortium of privacy-focused organizations—might step in.

Potential suitors could include:

• Microsoft: Strengthen its browser and search dominance.
• Amazon: Deepen its AI and advertising footprint.
• Apple: Expand beyond Safari, though privacy alignment might be an issue.
• Mozilla or Brave: Maintain browser neutrality.
• Consortium-led Open Source Group: Keep Chrome independent and community-led.

Still, OpenAI’s momentum, AI capabilities, and Microsoft backing might make it the most viable buyer.

Privacy, Data, and Ethical Questions Loom

A key concern in any AI first browser experience is user privacy.

If OpenAI were to embed AI deeply into Chrome, questions would arise:

• How is user data collected and stored?
• Are AI-generated actions transparent and controllable?
• Could AI behavior be manipulated by advertisers or governments?
• Will users have the ability to opt out?

OpenAI will need to tread carefully to avoid the very same criticisms that currently plague Google.

What Happens Next?

The outcome of the DOJ’s antitrust trial will determine whether Chrome can even be sold. If Judge Mehta sides with the DOJ, Chrome could be split off from Google’s core business.

Should that happen, the bidding war begins—and OpenAI is already at the table.

Even if a sale doesn’t occur, the trial has made clear that AI is the next battleground for browsers. Whether it’s Chrome, Edge, Safari, or a brand-new contender, the race is on to define the browser of the AI age.

Conclusion: A Bold Move Toward an AI-Powered Internet

The idea of an AI first browser was once science fiction. Today, it’s rapidly becoming reality.

OpenAI’s interest in acquiring Chrome is about more than owning a browser—it’s about controlling the gateway to the digital world and transforming it with intelligence, context, and automation.

If successful, such a move could redefine how billions of people interact with information, commerce, and technology. But with great power comes even greater scrutiny.

Whether this shift brings innovation or new risks remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the future of the internet is being negotiated in courtrooms—and coded in AI labs.

Would you use an AI first browser run by OpenAI? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion at DigitalAddaTech.com.