ChatGPT new search engine features cause data sanctity concerns

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI and backed by Microsoft, is poised to enhance its functionality this week by integrating search engine capabilities. This update will allow paid users to pose a variety of questions to the AI chatbot, seeking information on topics such as weather, news, music, movie reviews, and sports updates. The AI will leverage generative technology to pull data from the web, primarily sourcing results that align with those found on Google.

A significant aspect of this development is the introduction of “SearchGPT,” which will curate content exclusively from established publishers. This means that premium users will receive tailored information accompanied by credible references. However, there is a notable limitation: the chatbot will only engage with well-known publishers, effectively sidelining smaller entities.

To illustrate this point, consider a scenario where a user seeks news coverage of the 2024 U.S. Elections. The results provided by SearchGPT will include headlines solely from publishers with which Microsoft has partnerships. Consequently, information from other sources will be omitted, leading to a somewhat monopolized perspective on the news. This approach bears resemblance to the information control seen in countries like China and Russia, where users are presented only with content deemed safe by the government. Controversial topics may be classified as disinformation to maintain political and social stability.

There are concerns about the potential for content manipulation, where information could be skewed to align with business interests or current political climates. This issue has sparked discussions on platforms like Reddit, though concrete evidence regarding content curation remains elusive. Much of the conversation appears to be speculative rather than grounded in verifiable facts.

It’s important to note that integrating AI into search engines is not a novel concept; platforms like Baidu in China, DuckDuckGo, and Bing have already implemented such technologies effectively. Their search results tend to be accurate and reliable. Therefore, while the introduction of AI capabilities may enhance the functionality of search engines, it is unlikely to revolutionize the underlying operations of these platforms.