Sam Altman interested in buying Google Chrome: The Verge

Sam Altman interested in buying Google Chrome: The Verge

In a significant move within the tech industry, Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, has reportedly shown interest in acquiring Google Chrome. This development comes amidst ongoing legal battles and regulatory scrutiny surrounding Google's market dominance in online search.

The latest reports suggest that Altman is considering a bid to purchase Chrome from Google, following the Department of Justice's (DOJ) proposal in March to force Google to sell Chrome due to alleged anti-competitive practices. Google has yet to respond to the DOJ's proposal, and the court is expected to set terms for remedies soon [1].

Perplexity, another AI search engine, has also offered to buy Chrome for $34.5 billion, including a commitment to keep Chrome’s underlying engine, Chromium, open source and invest $3 billion into it. Perplexity's offer also promises not to change the default search engine for Chrome users [1].

Altman's potential interest in acquiring Chrome is part of a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are exploring strategic acquisitions to bolster their market positions. This move could be seen as a direct challenge to Google's dominance in the browser market, which currently holds 68% market share according to Statcounter [1].

The acquisition of Chrome would be a significant investment for Altman and OpenAI, given the browser's widespread use and the potential for integration with other AI technologies. However, it remains unclear whether Altman's interest in Chrome will translate into a formal offer or acquisition.

Meanwhile, Altman's involvement in the tech industry extends beyond Chrome. He has also shown interest in investing in neural interface technologies through his backing of Merge Labs, a startup aiming to merge human cognition with AI. This move comes amidst growing competition and rivalry between Altman and Elon Musk, who founded Neuralink [2][3].

In conclusion, Sam Altman's reported interest in acquiring Google Chrome signals a strategic shift in the tech industry, with companies seeking to gain a competitive edge through acquisitions and investments. As the legal landscape surrounding Google's market dominance evolves, Altman's move could have significant implications for the browser market and the broader tech industry.

References:
[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/12/perplexity-offers-to-buy-chrome-for-billions-more-than-its-raised/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sam-altman-back-merge-labs-211211097.html
[3] https://in.mashable.com/tech/98453/amid-ai-competition-sam-altman-to-invest-in-neuralink-rival-merge-labs-elon-musks-reaction-humors-x