Islamabad 14 August: In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI has reportedly made a $34.5 billion acquisition bid for Google’s market-dominating Chrome browser.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the proposal — if accepted — would mark one of the largest acquisitions in tech history and represent an unprecedented challenge to Google’s long-standing dominance in web browsing.
While neither Google nor Perplexity AI has officially confirmed the bid, insiders suggest the AI firm is seeking to integrate its advanced conversational search technology directly into the browser, potentially reshaping how users access and interact with information online.
Industry analysts say that acquiring Chrome could give Perplexity instant access to over 3.2 billion global users, strengthening its position against established search giants and reshaping the competitive landscape of the internet.
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However, the deal would face significant regulatory hurdles. Antitrust watchdogs in the U.S., EU, and Asia are expected to closely scrutinize any potential agreement, given Chrome’s commanding 65% share of the browser market.
Tech market strategist Lisa Hanford commented, “This is as much a data play as it is a product play. Chrome’s integration with Google Search and its vast user behavior datasets make it incredibly valuable — and that’s exactly what regulators will be concerned about.”
If the acquisition were to proceed, it could also impact Google’s broader ad-driven ecosystem, as Chrome serves as a gateway for much of its traffic.
Neither company has issued an official press statement as of this writing.
