OpenAI Shows Interest in Acquiring Google’s Chrome Browser Amid Antitrust Proceedings
As the U.S. government investigates potential remedies for Google’s alleged monopoly on online search, OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring the Chrome browser, should the court mandate its sale to mitigate Google’s market influence. According to Bloomberg, Nick Turley, OpenAI’s head of product for ChatGPT, revealed this at a recent court session while testifying for the Department of Justice.
Why OpenAI Wants Chrome: A Market Overview
OpenAI’s interest in the Chrome browser is not isolated. Turley noted that “many other parties” would be keen to purchase Chrome if it were to be released, given its impressive user base of approximately 3.45 billion users worldwide and its substantial two-thirds share of the browser market. Turley also suggested that his testimony could influence the court’s decision to release the browser from Google’s control.
OpenAI’s Strategy: Competing with Google
Regardless of whether OpenAI ultimately acquires Chrome, the company would have a more promising opportunity to partner with whoever owns a potential spun-off version than with Google itself. OpenAI has struggled to make progress integrating ChatGPT into Google’s ecosystem, which is a significant barrier given that Google is one of OpenAI’s primary competitors in the AI sector. Earlier in the trial, Turley testified that search technology is vital to OpenAI’s ambition of developing a “super assistant,” but Google has effectively excluded OpenAI from its platform.
The Distribution Challenge: Why OpenAI Seeks Chrome
Turley articulated several key reasons for OpenAI’s desire to acquire the browser, with distribution being paramount. While OpenAI successfully integrated ChatGPT on iOS, Turley mentioned that securing access to Android devices has posed significant challenges. He attributed part of this difficulty to Google reportedly giving preferential treatment to its own AI product, Gemini. In particular, the DOJ uncovered that Google provided Samsung with an “enormous sum of money in a fixed monthly payment” to ensure Gemini was pre-installed on its devices. OpenAI tried to seek similar access but was unsuccessful, with Turley stating it was “not for a lack of trying” per Bloomberg.
Concerns about Market Dominance and Access to Products
Turley expressed worries that OpenAI “may be shut out” by other major tech companies controlling key access points for product discovery, including their own offerings. For instance, both Apple and Google dominate app stores for their respective mobile platforms, allowing them to prioritize their own products. Although ChatGPT ranks second on the iOS Top Free Apps list, OpenAI remains concerned about the competitive landscape.
It’s worth noting that OpenAI benefits from a substantial $13 billion investment from Microsoft, which has integrated OpenAI’s technology into its search engine—Bing. Additionally, Microsoft has incorporated OpenAI’s AI models into its browser and AI suite and standalone devices. This poses an interesting dilemma, as it is challenging to envision OpenAI managing Chrome strictly for open access rather than directing users to its own ChatGPT Search product.
Could OpenAI Build Its Own Browser? The Possibilities
If OpenAI truly desires a browser, it could create one based on Chromium, the open-source platform maintained by Google that serves as the foundation for multiple browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Opera. Reports indicated that OpenAI considered entering the browser market as early as November last year. However, acquiring Chrome might be a quicker means to achieve that objective. Ultimately, it appears that extricating Chrome from Google may be more significant for OpenAI than the browser itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is OpenAI interested in buying Chrome?
OpenAI’s interest in purchasing Chrome stems from its desire to enhance distribution capabilities for ChatGPT and to lessen Google’s dominance in the search market.
What are the implications of Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI?
Microsoft’s $13 billion investment in OpenAI has provided necessary resources to develop AI technologies for search engines, posing a competitive challenge to Google.
Could OpenAI create its own browser?
Yes, OpenAI has explored the possibility of developing a browser based on Chromium, offering an alternative to Chrome.
How many users does Chrome have globally?
Chrome boasts approximately 3.45 billion users worldwide, commanding nearly two-thirds of the browser market.
What role does Google play in the AI and search market?
Google is one of the largest players in the AI and search market, competing directly with companies like OpenAI by developing its own AI products such as Gemini.