Speculation has mounted about Google being under pressure to sell its browser Chrome as its antitrust trial is underway.
Present at that trial was Nick Turley, ChatGPT‘s head of product, testifying on behalf of the US Government in its trial against Google.
When asked by a judge if OpenAI would try to buy Google’s browser if the parent Company Alphabet is forced to divest, Nick Turley replied yes. OpenAI is currently in a partnership with Microsoft which is also an investor and the OpenAI executive said that Google licensing its search index would restore competition, another matter of discussion aside from Chrome, Google already turned down a deal with OpenAI believing that it would harm its lead in search. “We believe in having multiple partners, and in particular Google’s API, would enable us to provide a better product to our users, OpenAI told Google in an e-mail revealed at trial.
Google on its part said the browser is not for sale and wanted the antitrust lawsuit thrown out.
Chrome’s current browser market share is 67% followed by Safari at 18% and Edge at 5%. In 2024 a court ruled that Google has a monopoly in online search while in 2025 it was ruled that it has an online monopoly in online advertising.
Google has communicated that it will appeal both court rulings.
To his answer that OpenAI would try to buy Chrome if Alphabet was forced to sell, Nick Turley added that it would give his company a chance to offer an incredible experience that’s AI first.
OpenAI says it currently has more than 400 million weekly active users.
