Tada

Chrome is the browser I wouldn't even want on my computer because it's so rotten compared to Firefox, so imagine my surprise when I learned that OpenAI wanted to buy this crap! And not just any old way!! They only want it if the American justice system forces Google to separate from it following this famous antitrust trial that declared Google to be the holder of an illegal monopoly on web search.

(Roooh, yes I'm going a bit far, it's true...)

But still, seeing the company behind ChatGPT jump on a browser used by 4 billion people and representing 67% of the market, it deserves a little attention. Especially when their big boss, Nick Turley, declared without batting an eye in court that: “ Yessss, we would be interested in buying Chrome, as well as many other pieces (of Google). ”

Essentially, this story began when a US federal judge, Amit Mehta, ruled that Google had an illegal monopoly on online search. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently been demanding serious action, including the forced sale of Chrome, and the judge is expected to issue a final decision by August 2025.

Meanwhile, OpenAI isn't sitting idly by, as they've already recruited former Chrome developers (Ben Goodger and Darin Fisher) and have even reportedly considered creating their own Chromium-based browser. Their strategy is clear: they want to be central to our daily browsing.

But what would a “ Chrome by OpenAI ” actually mean?

Well, according to Turley, it would be a “truly incredible experience” (I bet you…lol) with an “ AI-first ” approach. Basically, a browser that actually understands what you’re looking for instead of throwing 15 sponsored results at you.

For example, you ask for a good, cheap Japanese restaurant in your neighborhood, and instead of a list of links, you get the answer directly with menus, reviews, photos, and even a suggestion of dishes based on your previously saved tastes. AI could also automate a lot of boring stuff like filling out forms, summarizing long articles on my site, instantly translating pages, or even interacting with sites for you.

“ ChatGPT, book me this flight to Barcelona ” and hey presto, the thing takes care of everything.

On the business side, OpenAI is currently struggling with the distribution of its services. They've managed to integrate into Apple iPhones, but on Android, it's a struggle. Turley admits that they've never been able to discuss concrete terms with Samsung, partly because Google now pays the Korean manufacturer to pre-install its Gemini AI app. Thus, by acquiring Chrome, OpenAI would suddenly gain direct access to billions of users.

But obviously, there's a downside to this, because replacing one giant with another is just a change of master. The data collection needed to power these AIs raises serious questions about our privacy. And especially how would OpenAI use our browsing data? What would their privacy policies be? Not to mention the future of the thousands of existing Chrome extensions?

There is also a 3rd way: Turn Chrome into an independent company.

But Google argues that its browser couldn't survive on its own, which is dubious given that search placement contracts (which Google pays to Apple and others) are worth billions.

In short, on the one hand, the integration of AI into our daily use of the Internet will make our lives easier and make us even more productive to better serve big capital, but on the side of respect for privacy, and especially the survival of a web open to all, it's a bit scary.

If OpenAI got its hands on Chrome, it would be a real revolution, but also a real curse. While waiting for the judge's decision in August, why not try the ChatGPT extension, already available for Chrome (or Firefox!), and see how it goes? Or better yet, try alternatives like Firefox, Brave, or Arc, just to avoid putting all your eggs in one "algorithmic" basket.