Introduction
In a headline-grabbing twist, Perplexity AI, a rising force in artificial intelligence, has made an all-cash offer of $34.5 billion to acquire the world’s most popular browser — Google Chrome. The proposal comes at a time when Google is facing intense antitrust scrutiny in the United States, and some experts believe the move is as much about strategy as it is about acquisition.
1. The Eye-Popping Numbers
Perplexity AI’s current valuation sits at around $18 billion — barely half of the amount it’s offering for Chrome. The company claims that external investors are ready to finance the full purchase. This bold financial leap has left industry watchers debating whether it’s a genuine acquisition plan or a calculated attention-grabber.
2. Perplexity’s Promises
To reassure users and regulators, Perplexity has pledged to:
- Keep Chromium (the core of Chrome) open-source.
- Invest $3 billion into further development over the next two years.
- Maintain Google as the default search engine, while still allowing users to choose alternatives.
These promises are designed to avoid alienating Chrome’s massive global user base while positioning Perplexity as a responsible steward of the browser.
3. Antitrust Pressure on Google
The timing of the offer is no coincidence. Google recently lost an antitrust case in the U.S., with a federal judge ruling that it illegally monopolized the search market. One of the possible remedies under discussion is forcing Google to divest Chrome.
By making a public bid, Perplexity positions itself as a ready buyer if regulators push Google into a sale. Other big names — including OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo Global Management — are reportedly watching the situation closely.
4. Google’s Response
So far, Google has not shown any willingness to sell. CEO Sundar Pichai has argued that a forced sale could harm innovation, introduce security risks, and weaken the company’s integrated ecosystem. Google’s official stance suggests this deal is unlikely to happen without regulatory intervention.
5. Public and Industry Reactions
The tech community is split:
- Some believe this is a serious strategic move to reshape the browser market.
- Others call it a publicity stunt, noting that Perplexity recently launched its own AI-powered browser, Comet.
- Social media is buzzing with jokes and memes, with many users calling the bid “crazy” or “impossible.”
6. If It Did Happen…
If Perplexity successfully acquired Chrome:
- Users might see deeper AI integration into everyday browsing.
- Developers could still rely on Chromium, though priorities might shift.
- The browser market could see a massive shake-up, with Google losing its direct control over the world’s most widely used web browser.
Conclusion
Whether genuine or a high-profile PR move, Perplexity AI’s $34.5 billion bid for Chrome underscores the growing intersection of AI, browsers, and market power. With regulators circling and the browser wars heating up, this story is far from over.