OpenAI has disappointed many by delaying the launch of the highly anticipated fifth version of Genative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT-5). But the integration of AI search into ChatGPT is transforming the way tech companies organize online information and users search the web. By providing real-time access with original source links, OpenAI tackles copyright and plagiarism lawsuits and challenges the dominance of traditional search engines like Google and Bing.
What is ChatGPT Search?
OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Search on October 31. It provides current online information with links to information sources, using GPT-4 as the standard model. Users can not only chat, but also manually trigger an Internet search. OpenAI works with news and data providers to add information and visual designs for categories like weather, stocks, sports, news, and maps. This feature is available on chatgpt.com and mobile and desktop apps and can be accessed by ChatGPT Plus, Teams and SearchGPT Waitlist users. OpenAI plans to make it free for enterprises, educational institutions, and all users in the coming months.
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How will this move impact Google Search?
The integration of AI-driven chatbots such as ChatGPT into search engines will disrupt ad-dependent revenue models. By providing instant answers, these AI tools reduce the need for users to visit multiple websites, reducing ad impressions and clicks. ChatGPT has 200 million active global users every week, and the search feature will only increase adoption. However, according to Statista, Google retains a dominant market share of 89.33%, while Microsoft's Bing has 4.15%. In 2023, Google's revenues were $305.63 billion, mostly from ads on online searches, but if ChatGPT clicks, it could impact ads.
But aren't search engines evolving too?
OpenAI itself developed SearchGPT, which is now integrated with ChatGPT. But Google's Gemini, Microsoft's Bing, and Perplexity AI already offer search capabilities with their large language model (LLM) chatbots, using real-time data for accurate, timely answers. Meta is also reportedly developing its own search engine.
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How safe and credible are AI searches?
Combining AI with real-time searches can increase bias and misinformation. The impact on user privacy and the transparency of AI decision-making processes are also crucial factors in maintaining ethical standards. ChatGPT says its searches are prompt-based and that it can “share non-associated searches with third-party search engines such as Bing.” ChatGPT also collects general location information based on your Internet Protocol (IP) address and may share it with third-party search engines.
What else is happening in the search world?
Google's Project Jarvis, OpenAI agents, and Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Haiku promote “AI agents”: programs that autonomously perform tasks to achieve specific goals. These are intended to streamline complex online activities and improve user experiences. Project Jarvis uses the Gemini 2.0 language model to assist users with web-based tasks by interpreting screenshots and performing actions such as clicking buttons or entering text. OpenAI's agents navigate browsers, research and shop autonomously.
