Google's web browser, Chrome, could potentially change hands for a staggering $34.5 billion, according to a recent report, with Perplexity expressing interest in the acquisition.
In the world of technology, a significant decision is looming on the horizon. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta is expected to rule by the end of August 2025 on whether Google must divest its Chrome browser to remedy its monopoly in search and advertising[1][2][3]. This decision comes after the U.S. Justice Department sued Google in 2020 over allegations of monopolistic behavior[1].
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) argues that forcing Google to sell Chrome could restore competition by breaking Google's grip on search distribution through the browser, which is the world’s most popular[1][2]. Google, however, contests this, warning that divesting Chrome risks making it obsolete and exposing users to security risks[1].
Amidst this legal battle, an unexpected player has entered the scene. AI company Perplexity has offered $34.5 billion to buy Google's Chrome browser[4]. This offer, nearly double Perplexity's own valuation, and well above market expectations, positions the company as a potential saviour in the antitrust saga. Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, has framed the bid as a public interest solution that could satisfy antitrust remedies by placing Chrome under independent management focused on openness, continuity, and consumer protection[4].
Perplexity's offer comes just before the judge’s anticipated ruling and has attracted attention due to the timing and the substantial premium offered relative to Perplexity’s valuation[4]. It is unclear how this offer will influence Judge Mehta's decision, but it is likely to be noticed[1].
Meanwhile, Perplexity has launched its own browser called Comet, which injects more generative artificial intelligence into the browser experience[5]. Other companies, such as OpenAI, have shown interest in buying Chrome, but none have made a significant public move like Perplexity[1].
The antitrust lawsuit against Google and the potential sale of Chrome could profoundly reshape the browser and search ecosystem, with effects lasting through a probable lengthy appeals process[3]. With approximately 8.1 billion people on earth and Google Chrome having approximately 3.5 billion users, the stakes are high.
However, not everyone is convinced about the role of AI in this scenario. AI skeptics are quick to point out the unreliability of AI when faced with difficult questions[6]. It remains to be seen how Perplexity, with its AI-focused browser Comet, will navigate these challenges.
References:
[1] New York Times. (2025). Google Faces Antitrust Ruling Over Chrome. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/technology/google-chrome-antitrust.html
[2] Washington Post. (2025). Google Fights DOJ's Call to Sell Chrome. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/01/google-fights-dojs-call-sell-chrome/
[3] CNET. (2025). Google's Monopoly Ruling: What's at Stake. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/google/googles-monopoly-ruling-whats-at-stake/
[4] Bloomberg. (2025). Perplexity Offers $34.5 Billion for Google's Chrome. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-31/perplexity-offers-34-5-billion-for-google-s-chrome
[5] TechCrunch. (2025). Perplexity Launches AI-Focused Browser Comet. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/28/perplexity-launches-ai-focused-browser-comet/
[6] Wired. (2025). The Unreliability of AI: A Skeptic's Perspective. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2025/07/the-unreliability-of-ai-a-skeptics-perspective/
- The AI company Perplexity, with a bid of $34.5 billion, aims to buy Google's Chrome browser, potentially altering the browser and search ecosystem.
- AI-centric browser Comet, developed by Perplexity, promises to integrate more artificial intelligence into the browser experience, but skeptics raise concerns about its reliability.
- The antitrust lawsuit against Google and the potential sale of Chrome have piqued interest in the technology, finance, and general-news industries, with the possibility of distant-reaching implications.
- Perplexity's offer to acquire Google Chrome could serve as a solution to remedy antitrust concerns, positioning AI as a role-player in future business and technology-related decision-making, including politics.
