OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Search, a new feature that integrates live internet search capabilities directly into its chatbot, potentially revolutionizing how users gather information online.
Currently available for ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers, with plans to extend to free users in the coming months, ChatGPT Search allows users to receive relevant, up-to-date links and sources by asking simple, conversational questions.
The feature includes a manual search option and a “sources” button that organizes citations alongside the results to ensure transparency and credibility.
Additionally, OpenAI has introduced a Chrome extension for ChatGPT Search to enhance accessibility. The company has partnered with prominent news organizations such as the Associated Press, Financial Times, Reuters, and Vox Media to license premium reporting for its search results.
This collaboration underscores OpenAI’s dedication to providing credible, high-quality information, especially as the demand for reliable sources increases in a rapidly evolving media environment.
However, The New York Times is not among OpenAI’s partners due to an ongoing copyright lawsuit against the company. OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT Search not only facilitates real-time search but also encourages users to explore and engage with premium journalism.
As AI-driven search capabilities grow, major players like Google and Microsoft are evolving their platforms to stay competitive. Google’s AI Overviews and tools from emerging competitors like Perplexity are changing the search landscape and challenging Google’s previously dominant position, which has recently decreased from 90% to 87% market share worldwide.
