The U.S. antitrust case against Google has taken an unexpected turn after Perplexity AI made a $34.5 billion bid for Chrome. This surprise move comes as regulators weigh remedies that could force Google to divest parts of its business, including its market-leading web browser.
Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, has promised to keep Chrome open and independent, investing heavily in new features while ensuring Google remains the default search provider. The company sees Chrome as a platform to expand its AI-powered services, integrating them into the browsing experience.
However, the feasibility of this acquisition is questionable. Industry experts point out that Google is unlikely to sell Chrome voluntarily and that Perplexity would face enormous financial and operational challenges if it did.
Whether or not the bid succeeds, Perplexity has thrust itself into the global tech spotlight, sparking conversations about browser competition, Big Tech breakups, and the role of AI in future internet navigation.