Perplexity captured the spotlight among influencers in the mid of August 2025, after making a bold $34.5 billion unsolicited offer to acquire Google Chrome amid the ongoing antitrust scrutiny facing Google. The offer has ignited discussions about the potential ramifications for competition and innovation in the technology industry. Influencers noted that the bid could be a calculated response to a possible court ruling that may require Google to divest its browser business, suggesting that acquiring Chrome could provide the startup with a significant distribution advantage, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The reactions among influencers were mixed, reflecting both optimism and skepticism. Some praised Perplexity’s innovative mindset, as Chrome commands a substantial share of global web traffic. This could allow Perplexity to redirect user intent directly to its search engine without the need for costly distribution deals. Conversely, others expressed concern about the practicality of the acquisition, questioning how Perplexity could fund such a massive investment and whether it could effectively manage Chrome’s monetization strategies.”
Below are a few popular influencer opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:
“BREAKING: Perplexity offers $34.5B for Google Chrome, aiming to own the browser gateway that feeds search and ads. CNBC Reports. The bid relies on outside funding and lands inside an active antitrust remedy process. Chrome launched in 2008 and sits between users and search results. Control of that default path shapes queries, data signals, and monetization. For a search startup, owning the browser cuts out distribution deals and puts its answer engine on the home screen. After Google lost a search monopoly case last year, the Department of Justice suggested a Chrome divest as a clean fix. A separated Chrome gives rivals a fair shot at distribution. Perplexity is presenting itself as a ready buyer…”
“Perplexity AI just made a $34.5b unsolicited offer for Google’s Chrome browser, attempting to capitalize on the pending antitrust ruling that could force Google to divest its browser business. Comparing Chrome’s economics to Google’s existing Safari deal reveals why $34.5b undervalues the browser. Google pays Apple $18-20b annually to remain Safari’s default search engine¹, serving approximately 850m users². This translates to $21 per user per year…”
“Perplexity-Chrome is actually a really good and neutral way to keep it as an independent public company with sustainable business and open source and not form another monopoly or contribute to one. I think this would greatly benefit the market and innovation”
“AI search startup Perplexity is reportedly making a $34.5B bid for Google’s $GOOG Chrome browser, or nearly double its current $18B valuation. Perplexity told the WSJ that is has full backing for the bid.”
