OpenAI's ‘SearchGPT’ prototype enters limited testing, bringing conversational AI and source attribution to searches

OpenAI recently unveiled GPT-4o mini, and now, the company has introduced SearchGPT, a prototype that brings a new search experience, different from pre-existing search engines, say Google or Bing. SearchGPT claims to combine the power of its AI models with real-time web data, delivering concise, relevant answers accompanied by clear source links.

The new search tool prioritizes user experience by enabling follow-up questions in a conversational format, building on previous queries. At multiple points in the SearchGPT launch blog, OpenAI explicitly states that publishers will be credited, by featuring and linking to original sources. OpenAI says that this won't take away from the source content, since users have the chance of viewing the source for themselves.

While SearchGPT is currently in a testing phase with a limited user base, OpenAI plans to integrate its best features into ChatGPT. The company is also seeking feedback from both users and publishers to refine the experience. Users can sign up using the waitlist link on the company's official website.

To ensure transparency, OpenAI has implemented controls allowing publishers to manage their content's appearance within SearchGPT. The American AI company clearly draws a separation between SearchGPT and its other generative AI models, with an option for publishers to opt out of generative AI training while still having their content featured in search results.