Google Chrome Purchase Proposal by Perplexity Valued at $34.5 Billion According to Reports
Google's Chrome browser, with an estimated 3.5 billion users, finds itself at the centre of an antitrust lawsuit in the United States. The court's decision, expected by the end of August 2025, could potentially reshape the online search ecosystem and Google's business.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused Google of maintaining its dominance in internet search and digital advertising through exclusionary agreements, including tying Chrome as a key distribution tool for Google Search. The DOJ has proposed forcing Google to sell Chrome (and potentially Android) to restore competition.
However, Google argues for more limited remedies that end only the specific illegal practices rather than break up the company. The company claims selling Chrome could make the browser obsolete and increase cybersecurity risks.
Competitors like the AI company Perplexity have expressed strong interest in acquiring Chrome if forced to sell. Perplexity, which recently launched a new browser called Comet, has offered to buy Google's Chrome browser for $34.5 billion. The offer is intended to satisfy an antitrust remedy by placing Chrome with a capable, independent operator.
The offer from Perplexity could potentially influence Judge Metha's decision regarding Google's monopoly. However, the offer is being characterized as a "longshot" since Perplexity itself is only valued at about $18 billion.
The AI skeptics argue that AI can be unreliable when faced with difficult questions. This concern, along with the potential market and industry impacts of the decision, has made the case a hot topic of debate among futurists. Many believe that the traditional web browser will not exist a decade from now, with AI playing a more significant role in our online experiences.
The antitrust lawsuit against Google is not the first of its kind. In 2020, the U.S. Justice Department sued Google over allegations of monopolistic behavior. Similar lawsuits have increased in recent years, both in Europe and the U.S., with President Joe Biden's Attorney General, Merrick B. Garland, stating that the lawsuits aim to protect consumers and safeguard competition.
Judge Metha is expected to rule about the remedy for Google's monopoly this month. If Google is required to sell Chrome, it remains to be seen whether Perplexity or another company will emerge as the successful bidder.
[1] The Verge [2] Gizmodo [3] TechCrunch [4] The New York Times [5] CNET
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