In a move that has stunned Silicon Valley and the global tech industry, AI startup Perplexity has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion all-cash offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser — the most widely used browser in the world.
The bold proposal comes at a time when Google is under mounting antitrust pressure in the United States. A federal judge is currently reviewing potential remedies for Google’s search monopoly, with possibilities ranging from heavy fines to the unthinkable — forcing the company to divest Chrome.
Why Perplexity Wants Chrome
Perplexity, currently valued at between $14–18 billion, is known for its innovative AI-powered search and knowledge platform. Acquiring Chrome would instantly give the startup access to billions of users worldwide, along with more than 60% of the global browser market share.
The company has outlined a vision to:
- Keep Chrome’s open-source foundation (Chromium) intact.
- Maintain Google as the default search engine while ensuring users can choose alternatives.
- Invest $3 billion over the next two years to improve browser performance, privacy, and AI integration.
The deal would be fully financed by a group of major venture capital funds eager to back Perplexity’s ambitious expansion.
A Pattern of Bold Moves
This isn’t the first time Perplexity has made headlines with an audacious acquisition attempt. Earlier this year, the company made an offer to purchase TikTok’s U.S. operations — another bid that generated intense public and media attention, even though it didn’t materialize.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has positioned these moves as both strategic opportunities and brand-building exercises, suggesting that even if the bids fail, they highlight Perplexity’s vision for reshaping the internet.
Will the Deal Happen?
Industry experts are skeptical. Google has given no indication it’s willing to sell Chrome, and if a judge orders a divestment, the legal battle could drag on for years through appeals. Even if regulators forced Google’s hand, the sale process would likely be complex, with multiple bidders potentially entering the fray.
Still, the fact that a relatively young AI startup is making such a high-profile offer reflects a changing landscape — one where AI-first companies are no longer just software providers, but serious contenders for internet infrastructure ownership.
Why It Matters for the Future of the Internet
Browsers are more than just tools for accessing the web — they are gateways to online ecosystems. Whoever controls the browser controls a critical point of interaction for search, advertising, and data flows.
If Perplexity were to own Chrome:
- AI could be deeply integrated into everyday browsing.
- Competition in the search market could heat up dramatically.
- Google’s dominance over online access could be significantly challenged.
Whether or not the deal succeeds, it sends a clear message: The future of the internet will be shaped by the battle between Big Tech giants and ambitious AI challengers.
