OpenAI intends to acquire Chrome from Google, and it has also been revealed that it has previously asked Google to provide search technology but was turned down

In the midst of Google's antitrust trial in the United States, executives of OpenAI have stated their interest in acquiring Chrome, and it has also been revealed that OpenAI has previously sought to provide Google with search technology.

OpenAI would buy Google's Chrome, exec testifies at trial | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/google-contemplated-exclusive-gemini-ai-deals-with-android-makers-2025-04-22/

OpenAI wants to buy Chrome and make it an “AI-first” experience - Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/04/chatgpt-head-tells-court-openai-is-interested-in-buying-chrome/

OpenAI tells judge it would buy Chrome from Google | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/news/653882/openai-chrome-google-us-judge

Google has signed contracts with companies such as Apple and Samsung to 'pay large amounts of money in exchange for adopting Google search as the standard search engine on devices and web browsers.' The Department of Justice sued Google for violating the antitrust laws, and in August 2024, the Department of Justiceruled that Google violated the antitrust laws . Following this ruling, the Department of Justice presented a corrective measure to Google, which includes a clause to 'split up and sell the Chrome business.'

US Department of Justice demands Google sell Chrome, Google counters, 'This goes far beyond the court's decision' - GIGAZINE

On April 21, 2025, a hearing to determine specific corrective measures against Google began in the Federal District Court. On the second day of the hearing, on April 22, 2025, Nick Turley, product manager of ChatGPT at OpenAI, appeared as a witness for the Department of Justice. In his testimony, Turley said, 'If Google is forced to sell Chrome, OpenAI will agree to a deal to acquire Chrome,' indicating his intention to embark on the acquisition if the corrective measures include the sale of Chrome.

In addition, Turley revealed that OpenAI had previously asked Google to provide search technology but was turned down. In emails released at the hearing, OpenAI told Google, 'We believe that by leveraging multiple partners, particularly Google's APIs, we can provide a better product to our users.'

According to Turley, at the time of writing, OpenAI and Google are not affiliated. Turley said, 'Forcing Google to license its search data would restore competition,' and supported the Department of Justice's proposed corrective measures.

At the time of writing, OpenAI uses Microsoft's search engine 'Bing' technology in its products. It has also been reported that OpenAI is considering developing a browser that incorporates ChatGPT functions.

OpenAI is considering competing with Google with a ChatGPT-equipped browser - GIGAZINE

On the other hand, Google argues that if the Department of Justice's proposed corrective measures are approved as is, it will result in disadvantages for users, such as higher smartphone prices and a slowdown in innovation, and is calling for the proposal to be reviewed.

Google refutes DOJ's proposed remedial measures for antitrust violations, arguing that 'smartphone prices will go up' and 'users use Google because they want to use it' - GIGAZINE