Perplexity, ambitious artificial intelligence start-up, has made official a mega-offer of 34.5 billion dollars to acquire Google Chrome. A move that shakes the tech universe to its core, forcing analysts to question the future of leadership in browsers and online search.
What does the Perplexity AI offer for Google Chrome include?
The proposal, formalized with a letter to Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet), aims to “bring Chrome to an independent operator committed to user security.” According to Perplexity, this strategy would benefit the public, reviving the concept of open web and freedom of choice.
The company’s intention is to keep Google as the default search engine, while still allowing users the option to change the settings.
Another key promise: continuity and support for Chromium, that is, the open-source platform on which Chrome itself and many other browsers like Microsoft Edge and Opera are based. A strategic factor, given the crucial role of Chromium in the global web ecosystem.
The real value of Chrome: how much is it really worth?
Despite the staggering figure, for almost all industry analysts, the offer from Perplexity is largely below the real value of Chrome. According to tech investor Heath Ahrens, it is “a simple stunt, far from the true value of the browser, given its data collection capabilities and its unparalleled global reach”.
Tomasz Tunguz (Theory Ventures) even hypothesizes that the actual value could be up to 10 times higher than proposed, well over 300 billion dollars. Some observers add that a true race for AI power, led by figures like Sam Altman or Elon Musk, could skyrocket:
“If one of them were to triple the offer, they could truly secure dominance in artificial intelligence”.
Is Google really ready to give up Chrome?
Currently, Google has not shown any signs of wanting to sell Chrome, nor has it released formal statements in response to the proposal. The Mountain View giant is, however, under increasing pressure from two antitrust cases in the USA: a federal ruling expected in June 2024 could impose the split of search activities, a scenario that Google describes as “unprecedented” and harmful to users and security.
Complicating the picture is the perception that Chrome is not just a browser, but a crucial hub for data, advertising, and global outreach. Google has already announced an appeal in case of unfavorable decisions.
Perplexity: the AI start-up that challenges the giants
Perplexity is on everyone’s lips not only for this offer: the company leads the climb of new AI platforms in competition with ChatGPT by OpenAI and Gemini by Google. In June 2024, it also launched an AI browser called Comet, marking another step in the process of convergence between artificial intelligence and navigation tools.
After attempting to acquire the American version of TikTok (which risks being banned in September 2025 if not sold by ByteDance), Perplexity would have attracted the attention of big names like Apple and Meta.
What would happen to Google Chrome users in case of a sale?
According to Perplexity, the transition would be painless: no service interruption and continuity in the features offered. Google would remain the default engine, but users could choose freely. Also important is the promise of support for open-source development of Chromium, reassuring the vast community of developers.
However, the risk that a change of ownership impacts privacy, advertising, and technological compatibility is strong: the issue of data protection would remain central, even in light of the current legal battles involving Google on a global scale.
The strategy of Perplexity: vision or marketing?
Many investors label the offer as a “publicity stunt”. According to Ahrens, Perplexity’s move is “an operation to attract attention in the AI race”. As of now, the start-up is valued at about 18 billion dollars, which is half the amount proposed for Chrome, and has not yet formally declared how the potential acquisition will be financed.
The scenario, consequently, seems like a bold move to strongly position itself within the AI and browser market, also thanks to the visibility generated by the media.
What are the prospects after Perplexity’s offer?
As of today, Google does not comment and there are no signs of ongoing negotiations. The future of Chrome remains firmly in the hands of Mountain View. But the timing of Perplexity’s move, in the midst of antitrust tensions, still raises the question of the future structure of the web and the role of browsers in the AI ecosystem.
If other giants (or multibillionaires with AI ambitions) really relaunch, the browser sector could experience the biggest revolution of the last twenty years. Everything depends on Google’s responses, the new players who want to enter the game, and especially the evolution of legal disputes in the USA.
Follow the community for updates, because the future of navigation, and perhaps of artificial intelligence, is being written right now.