OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring Google’s Chrome browser if it were made available, according to testimony from Nick Turley, ChatGPT’s head of product, during the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DoJ) antitrust trial against Google.
The trial stems from a 2023 ruling that found Google holds an illegal monopoly in online search and advertising. As part of proposed remedies, the DoJ suggested Google divest Chrome to restore competition—though Google plans to appeal and has not indicated any intent to sell.
Turley testified that OpenAI had previously approached Google in July 2024 about integrating its search technology into ChatGPT, citing issues with its current provider, Microsoft’s Bing. Google denied the request, reportedly concerned about aiding potential rivals. An internal OpenAI email highlighted that access to Google’s API would improve ChatGPT’s user experience.
Although OpenAI has no current partnership with Google, Turley said access to Google’s search data—if mandated—could help ChatGPT achieve its goal of answering 80% of user queries with its own tech.
He also raised concerns about distribution barriers, noting OpenAI’s limited access to key digital gateways like browsers and app stores. While ChatGPT is integrated into Apple iPhones, OpenAI has struggled to expand on Android platforms.
Source: Mobile World Live
