OpenAI Might Acquire Chrome if Google Faces Sale Pressure

During Google’s antitrust trial in Washington this Tuesday, OpenAI’s product chief, Nick Turley, testified that the company would consider acquiring the Chrome browser if Alphabet is mandated to sell it, according to Reuters.

This remark surfaced as the Department of Justice is pursuing structural changes aimed at restoring competition within the online search market.

Judge Amit Mehta had previously concluded that Google possesses a monopoly in search and advertising; however, Google plans to appeal this ruling. As of now, Chrome has not been placed on the market.

Turley also revealed that Google declined OpenAI’s proposal to incorporate its search technology into ChatGPT. OpenAI reached out following issues with its current provider, which Turley did not disclose. Currently, ChatGPT uses Microsoft’s Bing for its search functionalities.

In an email presented in court, OpenAI expressed to Google, “We believe that engaging multiple partners, particularly with Google’s API, would enhance our product for users.” Google turned down the request in August, citing concerns over empowering competitors.

“At present, we have no partnership with Google,” Turley stated.

He further remarked that the DOJ’s suggested remedies, such as requiring Google to share search data, could enhance ChatGPT’s ability to deliver timely and accurate responses. Turley mentioned that ChatGPT is still years away from being capable of addressing 80% of inquiries using solely its own technology.

Prosecutors cautioned that Google’s supremacy in search could extend to artificial intelligence, providing it with a competitive edge in both fields. Conversely, Google argues that the case is not centered on AI and claims to face significant competition from Meta and Microsoft.

Previously, Judge Mehta determined that Google utilized exclusive agreements with companies like Samsung to maintain its dominance. Evidence indicated that Google had contemplated exclusive contracts for its search application, Gemini AI, and the Chrome browser.

Recent agreements with partners such as Samsung and Motorola have shifted to non-exclusive terms, which aligns with Google’s proposed remedies. Nevertheless, the DOJ is advocating for stricter measures, including prohibiting payments for default placement of Google search results.