An unexpected statement surfaces during the antitrust trial against Google. The Chrome browser could change hands if the courts require it. And OpenAI, behind ChatGPT, says it is ready to... recover it.
For several years, Google has been the subject of criticism and investigations for abuse of a dominant position, particularly in the United States. Its search engine, its Chrome browser, and its Android operating system are at the heart of these accusations. According to the authorities, these tools allow the company to lock down user access, by excluding competitors in browsers, search engines, and even artificial intelligence.
In this context, the US Department of Justice is proposing radical measures: forcing Google to separate itself from certain key activities, including Chrome. According to Bloomberg, during a recent hearing, Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, said that his company would be willing to acquire the browser if the opportunity arose. This statement was made under oath, as part of the ongoing lawsuit between Google and the DOJ.
OpenAI says it is ready to take over Chrome if Google is forced to part with it
According to Nick Turley, integrating Chrome into the OpenAI ecosystem would create an "experience designed for artificial intelligence from the start." For the latter, an internally controlled browser would offer a direct entry point for its tools, in the face of competition dominated by Google and Apple. He points out that access points - browsers, app stores, engines - are locked down by the major players in the market, preventing the emergence of alternatives.
OpenAI says it is encountering many difficulties in establishing itself on Android, where Google's Gemini AI already occupies a central place. It is notably integrated by default on the Pixel 9, reinforcing the company's grip on mobile AI.
Even though OpenAI was chosen by Apple to integrate ChatGPT on iOS, this doesn't compensate for Google's advantage over the Android ecosystem. The ongoing trial could reshuffle the cards. If the judge imposes a resale of Chrome, the impact would be major on the browser industry... and on the future of artificial intelligence. A possible acquisition of the latter by a company like this could also change the way AIs are integrated directly into web browsing.
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