Is Google Really Wanting to Sell Chrome?

Recent developments in the tech world have sparked intense speculation about the future of Google’s Chrome browser, with reports of a $34.5 billion unsolicited bid from AI startup Perplexity AI and ongoing antitrust pressure from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). But does Google actually want to sell Chrome, or is this a case of external forces pushing the tech giant’s hand? Let’s dive into the facts and explore what’s at stake.

The Antitrust Pressure

The conversation around Google potentially selling Chrome stems from a landmark antitrust ruling in August 2024, where U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta found Google guilty of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online search. The DOJ has since proposed that Google divest Chrome as a remedy to curb its dominance, arguing that the browser’s 65-68% global market share (per Statcounter) gives Google unfair control over a critical internet access point. The DOJ’s filing emphasizes that selling Chrome would “permanently stop Google’s control of this critical search access point and allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet.”

Chrome, launched in 2008, is deeply integrated with Google’s ecosystem, feeding user data into its search algorithms and targeted advertising systems. Analysts estimate Chrome’s value at $15-50 billion, with Bloomberg Intelligence pegging it at $15-20 billion and some industry experts, like DuckDuckGo’s CEO, suggesting it could fetch upwards of $50 billion. Losing Chrome could disrupt Google’s advertising revenue in the short term, but the company’s vast resources suggest it could adapt.

Google’s Stance

Google has not publicly expressed any desire to sell Chrome. In fact, the company has pushed back against the DOJ’s proposals, with Kent Walker, Google’s president of global affairs, calling them “extreme” and warning that divestiture could harm consumers by raising device costs and disrupting competition with Apple’s ecosystem. Google is reportedly preparing alternative remedies to propose before Judge Mehta’s final ruling, expected by August 2025, and plans to appeal the antitrust decision.

The unsolicited $34.5 billion bid from Perplexity AI, reported on August 12, 2025, by CNBC and The Wall Street Journal, adds another layer of complexity. Perplexity, valued at $18 billion, has secured venture investor backing to fund the offer and promised to keep Chrome’s underlying Chromium engine open-source while investing $3 billion in its development. However, Google has not commented on the bid, and industry observers note that Chrome isn’t officially for sale, suggesting Perplexity’s move is speculative and tied to the DOJ’s pressure.

Why Would Google Sell?

There’s no evidence that Google wants to sell Chrome voluntarily. The browser is a cornerstone of its business, driving user engagement with Google Search and collecting data for its $200 billion-plus advertising empire. However, the DOJ’s legal push could force Google’s hand if Judge Mehta approves the divestiture proposal. The DOJ’s case hinges on Chrome’s role in reinforcing Google’s search monopoly through default search engine agreements, costing Google $26.3 billion in 2021 alone to secure deals with companies like Apple and Mozilla.

If forced to sell, Google might face a challenging market. Potential buyers like Perplexity, OpenAI, or even Elon Musk’s AI ventures could bid, but any company large enough to afford Chrome’s hefty price tag risks facing its own antitrust scrutiny. For instance, Perplexity’s bid, while bold, exceeds its valuation, raising questions about feasibility, and its promise to retain Google as Chrome’s default search engine may not fully align with the DOJ’s goal of fostering competition.

What’s at Stake?

A forced sale of Chrome could reshape the internet. For Google, losing Chrome might weaken its grip on search and advertising, though its innovation capabilities could mitigate long-term damage. For competitors like Microsoft (Edge), Apple (Safari), or smaller search engines like DuckDuckGo, a Chrome sale could open doors to greater market share. However, analysts argue that Chrome’s dominance might persist under new ownership if its core features remain intact.

For users, the implications are less clear. A new owner could prioritize privacy, AI-driven browsing, or alternative search integrations, but there’s also a risk of reduced innovation if Chrome’s development stalls. Perplexity’s interest, for example, suggests a future where Chrome could become an AI-first browser, but its ability to manage such a massive asset remains unproven.

The Bigger Picture

The question of whether Google wants to sell Chrome misses the mark—it’s more about whether Google will be forced to sell. The DOJ’s aggressive stance reflects a broader push to rein in Big Tech, with potential precedents for companies like Apple, Amazon, and Meta. Google’s resistance, combined with its appeal plans, signals a protracted legal battle. Meanwhile, Perplexity’s bid keeps the conversation alive, but without Google’s willingness or a court mandate, it’s more of a strategic play than a done deal.

As the tech world awaits Judge Mehta’s ruling, the future of Chrome hangs in the balance. Whether it remains a Google powerhouse or becomes a new battleground for AI and search innovation, one thing is certain: the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for the internet we all use.