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Google Chrome commands an impressive 67% share of the global search browser market, firmly establishing itself as the leading web browser worldwide. In comparison, Apple’s Safari holds second place with nearly 18%, while Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox lag behind with shares of 5.2% and 2.54%, respectively.
In a recent court hearing, OpenAI’s Head of Product, Nick Turley, expressed OpenAI’s interest in acquiring Google’s browser if the parent company, Alphabet, is compelled to divest. Turley confidently stated that OpenAI would pursue the acquisition, describing a potential collaboration between ChatGPT and Chrome as a pathway to deliver a remarkable “AI-first” user experience. This sentiment underscores the increasing value that companies place on integrating advanced AI capabilities within web technology.
According to OpenAI, the organization has attracted over 400 million weekly active users, as reported by CNBC, reflecting its significant growth and user engagement in the competitive tech landscape.
This discussion comes in the wake of a federal court ruling in August 2024, which concluded that Google illegally monopolized the online search and advertising markets. The judge asserted in a lengthy 286-page opinion that Google’s monopolistic behaviors included the use of exclusive contracts to maintain its dominant position in the market.
Currently, Google is facing further scrutiny in relation to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request, urging the tech firm to divest its Chrome browser as a remedy for its monopolistic practices. A decision from the judge is anticipated by August, which could mandate Alphabet to take actions such as selling Chrome or allowing competitors access to its search data.
Meanwhile, Google has initiated an appeal against certain aspects of the earlier rulings.
Bloomberg points out that the precedent for a court-ordered breakup of a significant U.S. corporation dates back to the 1980s with AT&T, highlighting the rare nature of such judicial interventions in corporate affairs.
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