Google testifies that only they can operate Chrome

Google has argued in court that only its own infrastructure can maintain the Chrome browser as we know it. The tech giant faces the possibility of being forced to sell Chrome following an antitrust ruling. Companies such as OpenAI and Yahoo have expressed interest in acquiring the browser if the divestment goes through. The final decision could profoundly reshape the balance of power on the internet and in the search and browser markets.

Google's technical defense

During the federal trial, Parisa Tabriz, Chrome's general manager, argued that separating Chrome from Google would be "unprecedented" and technically unfeasible. The browser, he said, is the product of “17 years of deep collaboration” with other divisions of the company.

Google has emphasized that Chrome's key security and privacy features critically depend on its integration with internal services. According to Tabriz, a forced sale of Chrome would create a "partial" version incapable of offering the protections millions of users expect.

Context of antitrust remedies

Chrome's defense comes amid heightened tensions following the 2024 ruling that found Google guilty of monopolistic practices. As part of the remedies, the U.S. Department of Justice is considering forcing the sale of Chrome to weaken Google's dominance in online search and advertising.

DuckDuckGo's CEO estimated that Chrome, as a separate asset, could be worth as much as $50 billion. The court hearing is set to conclude in May, but Judge Amit Mehta's crucial decision is expected in August 2025, a verdict that could redefine the entire tech industry.

Chrome Integration Challenges

Despite the apparent commercial interest, the separation of Chrome would not be simple or painless. Google says Chrome's architecture is intertwined at infrastructure levels, from account management to update systems and security analysis.

An additional technical aspect further complicates the operation: Chrome is based on Chromium, the open-source project that also underpins browsers like Microsoft Edge. Separating Chrome without disrupting the Chromium ecosystem would require a monumental effort and could destabilize the entire browser market based on that platform.

Industry interest in Chrome

Despite the technical challenges, OpenAI and Yahoo have expressed explicit interest in acquiring Chrome if the court forces Google to sell it. OpenAI's Nick Turley stated in his testimony that they would "definitely" consider the purchase, while Yahoo also positioned itself as a potential buyer.

The interest is not accidental: Chrome controls nearly 65% ​​of the global browser market, being the dominant entry point for search, advertising, and web access. Its massive user base and strategic position make Chrome one of the world's most valuable technology assets.

The “shadow of Chrome” according to Google

Google warns that a version of Chrome separated from its infrastructure would lose some of its key functionality. Rapid security updates, protection against phishing and malware, and energy efficiency are some of the aspects that Google says may be compromised.

This “shadow of Chrome” would not only be less secure, but also less competitive compared to alternatives like Safari or Edge. From Google's perspective, the sale would not only harm the company, but would also directly impact end-user experience and security.

Potential buyers and their plans

OpenAI could use Chrome as a prime distribution platform for its AI models, integrating smart assistants directly into the browsing experience. Yahoo, for its part, sees Chrome as a way to revitalize its online presence.

However, neither OpenAI nor Yahoo have publicly detailed how they would address the enormous technical challenges of managing Chrome without Google's collaboration and infrastructure. The acquisition, in either case, would require a profound internal restructuring and possibly years of work.

Implications for the future of the Internet

The potential sale of Chrome would be one of the largest antitrust interventions since the breakup of AT&T in the 80s. If implemented, it would not only affect Google, but would also open up opportunities for new players in search, browser, and digital advertising.

Furthermore, it could set a precedent for future antitrust actions against tech giants, ushering in a new era of stricter regulation in the industry. At stake is not only the future of Chrome, but also the architecture of power and competition that will shape the internet for decades to come.