Perplexity AI’s $34.5 billion offer for Google Chrome is more than a business deal—it’s a statement about the changing nature of internet technology. By targeting Chrome, Perplexity is signalling its ambition to merge traditional web browsing with AI-driven assistance.
The bid arrives as Google faces antitrust challenges, making the timing particularly strategic. Should regulators force a sale, Perplexity’s proposal could be taken seriously, despite its valuation being significantly lower than the offer amount.
CEO Aravind Srinivas has promised to keep Chromium open-source, invest heavily in innovation, and maintain Google as the default search engine. This suggests an evolution rather than a reinvention of Chrome, with AI integration at the forefront.
While industry experts remain sceptical about the bid’s chances, the move has already succeeded in giving Perplexity global visibility. It has also reignited debates on whether browsers should be owned by search engine companies, or if separating them could foster greater competition and innovation in the market.