OpenAI Interested in Acquiring Chrome Amidst Google Antitrust Trial

In a surprising development in the U.S. government’s antitrust case against Google, an executive from OpenAI disclosed that the artificial intelligence company might consider acquiring the Chrome browser if regulators compel Google to sell it as a remedy for competition concerns.

Nick Turley, the head of product for ChatGPT, made this disclosure during his testimony at the prominent trial in Washington on Tuesday. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is advocating for significant reforms to address what it alleges is Google’s unlawful monopoly in online search and advertising.

Although Google has not suggested plans to sell Chrome, Turley’s remarks provided a unique insight into how technology competitors could potentially benefit from any divestitures should the court rule unfavourably for the Alphabet-owned firm. Google is currently appealing a previous court ruling designating it as a monopoly and is under increasing scrutiny regarding its interconnected dominance in search, advertising, and now artificial intelligence.

The Competition in Generative AI

The trial has also highlighted the escalating competition in generative AI. Prosecutors contend that Google’s significant market influence in search affords it an unfair advantage within the AI sector, potentially strengthening its dominance. Turley, who was testifying on behalf of the government, remarked that search is a vital component of ChatGPT in delivering timely and accurate responses to user inquiries.

In July 2023, OpenAI had approached Google to license its search technology after encountering complications with its existing provider, presumed to be Microsoft’s Bing, the current engine behind ChatGPT’s browsing capability. OpenAI noted in a proposal presented during the trial that it believes having multiple partners, especially Google’s API, would enhance the product offered to users. However, Google declined the proposal, expressing concerns over competitive overlaps.

Current Relationships and Future Prospects

Turley acknowledged in court that OpenAI currently has no partnership with Google, stating that a DOJ remedy that necessitates Google sharing search data with competitors would “accelerate efforts” to advance ChatGPT.

An internal document from OpenAI that was disclosed by Google’s legal team during the trial indicated that OpenAI did not initially consider Google to be its primary competitor in the AI landscape. Turley clarified that this sentiment was aimed at inspiring internal staff rather than representing a strategic position.

The DOJ has proposed comprehensive remedies that extend beyond merely easing default agreements. Its suggestions include restrictions on Google’s ability to forge exclusive contracts, such as those with Samsung, Motorola, AT&T, and Verizon, which previously ensured the preinstallation of Google’s apps like Chrome, Search, and Gemini AI on new devices. Judge Amit Mehta, presiding over the case, determined last year that these exclusivity agreements undermined competition.

While Google has begun to relax some of its deals to permit rival apps, the DOJ argues that more profound structural changes are necessary to create a level playing field. The tech giant asserts that its updated agreements foster flexibility, with executive Peter Fitzgerald indicating that Google recently communicated with partners to confirm their capacity to preload competing AI products.