Perplexity AI has made a bold $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google’s widely used Chrome browser. This move comes amid heated antitrust debates that might compel Google to shed some of its search power, and it’s nearly double Perplexity’s own valuation of $18 billion. In a recent letter, CEO Aravind Srinivas laid out the vision: a Chrome that remains open and consumer-friendly under independent oversight.
All eyes are now on US District Court Judge Amit Mehta, expected to rule soon on remedies for Google’s long-standing monopoly in online search. The U.S. government has even floated the idea of divesting Chrome to curb Google’s dominance—a move that gains extra relevance at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping tech. Meanwhile, Google is pushing back, urging the judge to rule out divestment.
Analysts at Baird Equity Research aren’t entirely convinced by the offer, suggesting it might be a strategic nudge meant to trigger a bidding war or influence the antitrust process. With Perplexity already operating a competing browser, an independent Chrome could serve as a significant asset in challenging Google’s grip.
Google’s legal team argues the proposed divestiture might set a dangerous precedent, potentially even threatening parts of its Android ecosystem. The discussion has global ramifications too, as more than 80% of Chrome’s users are based outside the United States.
As tech giants like Microsoft continue to harness AI to challenge established powerhouses, Google is not sitting idle. The company is ramping up its own AI efforts across its services, determined to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
