• Perplexity AI has signaled interest in acquiring Google's Chrome browser if regulators force a divestiture, though no formal bid has been made.
  • The potential move comes amid ongoing U.S. antitrust proceedings against Google's search dominance, with Chrome's role in default search distribution under scrutiny.
  • Analysts question the feasibility of such a deal, given Perplexity's $14 billion valuation and Chrome's strategic importance to Google's $198.1 billion search ad business.

A hypothetical bid in a high-stakes antitrust battle

Perplexity AI has emerged as a potential suitor for Google's Chrome browser, though the scenario remains firmly in the realm of courtroom speculation rather than active dealmaking. During testimony in the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust case against Google, Perplexity's chief business officer stated the AI startup could operate Chrome at scale if given the opportunity.

The comments came as regulators explore potential remedies should Google be found to have maintained an illegal monopoly in online search. Chrome's dominant market share and its integration with Google Search have made it a focal point in discussions about restoring competition to the search market. However, Google has not put Chrome up for sale and is appealing the court's initial monopoly finding.

"I think we could do it," Perplexity's executive told the court regarding operating Chromium/Chrome, according to people familiar with the testimony. The statement reflects growing confidence among AI startups challenging Google's core businesses, though it falls far short of the unsolicited $34.5 billion bid suggested in some reports.

The shifting landscape of browser competition

Perplexity's interest comes as it launches its own AI-enabled browser, Comet, featuring integrated chatbot capabilities. The move represents part of a broader industry shift toward "agentic" browsing interfaces that could disrupt traditional search query monetization. Google's ad-driven model faces particular pressure from these developments, with AI assistants potentially reducing user exposure to search ads.

Industry observers note that any actual divestiture of Chrome would face significant hurdles, from regulatory approval to technical challenges in maintaining the browser's security and compatibility standards. Chrome commands over 60% of the global browser market, according to recent estimates, making its stewardship a matter of importance for the entire web ecosystem.

Perplexity, valued at $14 billion in its most recent funding round, would need substantial financial backing to acquire and operate Chrome at its current scale. The company declined to comment on specific financing plans when reached for clarification.

What comes next

With Google's appeal pending and final remedies undecided, any potential sale of Chrome remains hypothetical. Legal experts caution that structural breakups in tech antitrust cases are rare, and the court may opt for behavioral remedies instead. Meanwhile, Perplexity and other AI companies continue developing alternative browsing experiences that could gradually erode Chrome's dominance regardless of the case's outcome.

Correction: An earlier version of this article overstated the status of Perplexity's interest in Chrome. The company has expressed conditional interest should Chrome be divested, but has not made a formal bid.