OpenAI enhances ChatGPT features to challenge Google Search

• OpenAI has introduced a new search feature called “ChatGPT Search” in its chatbot, ChatGPT. This feature allows users to search for information directly and receive responses with citations from authoritative data sources.
• By collaborating with multiple publishers, OpenAI has added authoritative and up-to-date information to its search services, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of ChatGPT Search.

What happened

The artificial intelligence company OpenAI has introduced a new search feature in its popular chatbot, ChatGPT, called ChatGPT Search. Aimed at providing a web-like search experience and delivering responses with citations from authoritative data sources, this upgrade poses a challenge to Google. The new feature, based on OpenAI’s GPT-4 model, will be gradually rolled out to ChatGPT Plus and Team paid users and will be made available to all users in the coming months.

Through collaborations with multiple publishers, including News Corp and Time Magazine, OpenAI has added authoritative and up-to-date information to its search services. ChatGPT Search will offer AI-driven search functionality to the 250 million users who use ChatGPT weekly, with the aim of simplifying the search process, providing more direct answers, and ensuring high-quality sources.

OpenAI emphasises that its search tool will not favour partner publishers. Any website or publisher can choose to appear in ChatGPT search results. Nonetheless, OpenAI must ensure the accuracy of its new search tool to mitigate the risk of generating incorrect answers, especially when providing reliable information about significant events, such as the upcoming U.S. elections.

Also read: OpenAI to release ‘Strawberry’ for ChatGPT in next 2 weeks

Also read: OpenAI emerges as a major threat to Google with AI search

Why it is important

OpenAI’s introduction of search functionality for ChatGPT is not only a reflection of technological advancement but also a significant challenge to the existing search engine market. OpenAI’s actions have intensified competition in the search engine market, which may prompt existing providers such as Google to implement technological updates and service enhancements. This represents a deeper application of artificial intelligence technology in the field of search, potentially transforming the traditional way people access information. It offers a faster and more accurate search experience. By delivering richer and more precise search results, users can find the information they need more quickly, enhancing the overall online experience. Additionally, OpenAI’s collaboration with publishers could reshape content distribution and monetisation models, presenting both new opportunities and challenges for publishers.