OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Search, a new feature that allows ChatGPT to access and process real-time information from the web. This significantly enhances ChatGPT's capabilities, moving beyond its pre-existing knowledge base to provide more accurate and current answers to user queries. The feature incorporates source links, allowing users to verify the information provided. This development is a major step forward in AI-powered search technology, and represents a direct challenge to established search engines like Google and Perplexity.
This integration of web search functionality directly into ChatGPT provides a seamless user experience. Instead of requiring users to conduct separate web searches and then synthesize the information themselves, ChatGPT now automatically incorporates relevant web data into its responses. The inclusion of direct source links adds a layer of transparency and accountability, enhancing the credibility of the information provided. Early tests suggest the new feature is incredibly powerful and efficient.
However, the rollout of ChatGPT Search has not been without its challenges. Reports indicate that the search function has exhibited inaccuracies, including the fabrication of sources and misquoting of content, even from publishers with agreements with OpenAI. A study found that ChatGPT was partially or entirely incorrect in 153 out of 200 quote citations. This highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of AI-powered search technologies and underscores the need for continued development and refinement.