In a surprising twist in Google’s ongoing antitrust trial in the United States, OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, suggested it may be interested in acquiring Google Chrome, the world’s most popular browser, if regulators force its sale. 

The revelation came during testimony by Nick Turley, an artificial intelligence executive from OpenAI, who spoke on behalf of the U.S. government in a Washington DC courtroom.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking to curb Google’s dominance in online search, arguing that control over Chrome is a crucial part of its monopoly. 

Currently, around 64% of internet users rely on Google Chrome, according to analysis firm Similarweb. Apple’s Safari comes in second with 21%, underscoring Chrome’s central role in the digital ecosystem. 

Turley disclosed that OpenAI had previously tried to negotiate with Google to integrate search results into ChatGPT, but the offer was rejected. “We have no partnership with Google today,” Turley said, according to Reuters. 

ChatGPT vs. Google: deal done?

If OpenAI were to acquire Chrome, it could integrate generative AI models directly into web browsing, offering optimized search results and reducing chatbot “hallucinations.” Such a move would pose a direct challenge to Google in an area it has long dominated. 

Google, however, insists that Chrome is not for sale. The company is appealing earlier rulings that found it held illegal monopolies in both online search and digital advertising.

Its head of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, warned in a blog post that government proposals “would harm consumers, the economy, and America’s technological leadership.” 

Meanwhile, OpenAI continues to rely on its strategic partner Microsoft, which supports ChatGPT through its Bing search engine and Edge browser. Google, on its end, is pushing forward with Gemini, its own generative AI system designed to rival OpenAI’s technology. 

The trial, expected to last three weeks, is being closely watched by other tech giants, including Meta, Amazon, and Apple, all of which are facing their own antitrust battles with the DOJ. Analysts argue that a ruling against Google could set a precedent with sweeping consequences across the digital industry. 

Adding to the intrigue, recent reports suggest that OpenAI is also exploring the launch of its own social network, potentially challenging X, the platform owned by Elon Musk. If confirmed, the initiative would further expand OpenAI’s footprint in the global tech landscape under CEO Sam Altman.