OpenAI Considers Chrome Acquisition Amid Antitrust Scrutiny

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently hinted at a bold new direction for the company, suggesting that OpenAI may consider acquiring Google Chrome if regulatory pressures compel Alphabet Inc. to sell the browser. The comments came during a private dinner with The Verge journalists in San Francisco, where Altman discussed a range of topics, including major infrastructure investments, new business opportunities, and the potential expansion of OpenAI’s digital footprint [3].

Altman acknowledged that the recent launch of GPT-5 was not without issues, admitting, “we totally screwed up some things.” Despite these challenges, the AI model saw a surge in demand, with API traffic doubling in just two days and ChatGPT setting daily user engagement records. The platform now reaches over 700 million users per week, a fourfold increase from the previous year [4].

To support continued AI growth, Altman confirmed that OpenAI is planning substantial investments in infrastructure, potentially including trillions in spending on data centers. He also expressed interest in funding a brain-computer interface company as a potential rival to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, indicating a broader ambition to extend OpenAI’s influence beyond traditional AI models [4].

The idea of acquiring Chrome emerged in the context of growing antitrust scrutiny against Google. U.S. regulators have increasingly questioned the dominance of Alphabet’s search and advertising platforms, raising the possibility of asset divestitures under antitrust law. Altman suggested that OpenAI would evaluate the opportunity if Chrome were to become available, stating, “If Chrome’s actually gonna sell, we should take a look at it.” This interest aligns with reports that other AI firms, including Perplexity, have also submitted bids for Chrome, with one reportedly offering $34.5 billion [7].

While no official offer has been made by OpenAI, Altman’s comments signal a strategic interest in expanding OpenAI’s influence into digital infrastructure. A Chrome acquisition could significantly increase the company’s reach and user engagement, but it would also face considerable regulatory and financial hurdles.

Altman’s vision reflects a broader belief in the transformative power of artificial intelligence, which he described as “the most significant thing to occur in a very long time.” However, he also expressed caution, noting that the current investment environment has become an “AI bubble” with inflated expectations. When asked about his long-term role at OpenAI, Altman remained uncertain, even entertaining the possibility that an AI program could eventually manage the company [4].

If realized, such a vision could not only reshape OpenAI’s trajectory but also redefine the future of the broader technology sector. The outcome of the antitrust case against Google and Alphabet’s decision on potential asset sales will be critical in determining whether OpenAI’s ambitions in the browser market can become a reality [3].

Source:

[1] Investing.com, [url: https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/sam-altman-says-openai-interested-in-buying-google-chrome--verge-93CH-4195383]

[2] AInvest, [url: https://www.ainvest.com/news/openai-considers-chrome-acquisition-bidding-war-antitrust-uncertainty-2508/]

[3] The, [url: https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/16/sam-altman-wants-to-buy-chrome-if-google-is-forced-to-sell/]

[5] X, [url: https://x.com/danielnewmanUV/status/1956339130****34063]

[6] NDTV, [url: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/technology/openais-sam-altman-expects-to-spend-trillions-on-infrastructure]

[7] MSN, [url: https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/ai-startup-perplexity-makes-bold-345-billion-bid-for-googles-chrome-browser/ar-AA1KoaTf]

[8] AInvest, [url: https://www.ainvest.com/news/google-antitrust-case-sparks-34-5b-chrome-acquisition-bids-2508/]