In a twist that could reshape the web browser market, Perplexity AI has reportedly made a staggering $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google Chrome. According to The Wall Street Journal, the AI firm-currently valued at about $18 billion-has positioned itself as a potential solution to Alphabet’s mounting antitrust troubles.
The offer includes a pledge to keep the open-source Chromium project alive, addressing concerns about browser innovation and compatibility.
Google has been battling antitrust cases on multiple fronts, from Europe’s €4.3 billion fine in 2022 for abusing Android’s dominance to the ongoing U.S. Department of Justice case accusing it of maintaining an illegal search monopoly. Judge Amit Mehta ruled in 2024 that Google had indeed violated antitrust laws, triggering a remedy trial that concluded in May 2025. The DOJ is now pushing for Chrome’s divestiture, with buyers such as Yahoo, OpenAI, and Perplexity in the mix. A final ruling is expected by August 2025, though Alphabet is likely to appeal.
Critics argue that selling Chrome could weaken Google’s integrated privacy and security features, while others believe it’s a long-overdue step toward breaking the company’s entrenched dominance. Perplexity’s bid, which sits in the middle of Chrome’s estimated $20–$50 billion valuation, signals serious intent-but with Google showing no sign of willingness to sell, the deal remains speculative.
Industry watchers are split: some worry that a $34.5 billion purchase for a free browser would inevitably lead to aggressive monetization, while others hope the shake-up might inspire a revival of old favorites like Opera’s Presto engine or a new Gecko-based Netscape Navigator. One thing is certain-the battle over Chrome is shaping up to be a defining moment in the tech antitrust saga.