OtherConsumer FacingVerified

ChatGPT can search the web in real time and give users up-to-date answers with links to original sources — similar to a traditional search engine, but in a conversational format that synthesizes information instead of just listing links. The feature launched for all users in late 2024.

Details

ChatGPT Search launched October 31, 2024 for Plus and Team users and was extended to all users by December 2024. It is powered by a fine-tuned version of GPT-4o trained specifically for search tasks using synthetic training data. Search results include inline citations with source links, embedded images, YouTube videos, and maps. It also provides rich-format results for sports scores, stock prices, weather, and breaking news. The feature integrates with ChatGPT's Memory to personalize results based on user history. News partners providing licensed content include the Associated Press, Reuters, Financial Times, Condé Nast, and The Atlantic.

Products affected

ChatGPT (all tiers)OpenAI API

Sources & Evidence

Company Disclosure

Company DisclosureVerified

ChatGPT search

OpenAI·Mar 2026

https://help.openai.com/en/articles/9237897-chatgpt-search

Company DisclosureVerified

Introducing ChatGPT search

OpenAI·Oct 2024

https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-search/

Other practices by OpenAI

Creative GenSora was OpenAI's tool for generating short video clips from a text description or uploaded image. OpenAI announced on March 24, 2026 that it is shutting down Sora entirely — including the app and API — citing the need to reallocate computing resources toward higher-priority products. The shutdown comes just three months after a landmark deal with Disney, which is also now cancelled.OtherIn February 2026, OpenAI signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy its AI models in classified military environments. The deal — worth up to $200 million — covers uses like military healthcare, program data analysis, and cyber defense. It came days after the Pentagon blacklisted rival Anthropic for refusing to drop restrictions on domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons use.RecommendationSince February 2026, ChatGPT shows sponsored ads to users on its free and low-cost Go tiers, matched to the topic of the current conversation. Someone asking about recipes might see an ad for a grocery delivery service. Ads are clearly labeled as sponsored and appear separately from ChatGPT's answers, which OpenAI says are never influenced by advertisers.

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