OpenAI’s SearchGPT, launched just a week ago, is encountering significant challenges. Over 14 major news outlets, including giants like The New York Times and GQ, have blocked access to their content for this search engine. This move raises questions about the completeness and accuracy of information provided by SearchGPT, and casts doubt on OpenAI’s data handling practices.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has faced unexpected hurdles with the launch of SearchGPT. John Gillam, head of Originality.ai, is puzzled by the publishers’ decision, as the traffic generated by the bot could benefit them. Nevertheless, these publishers are opting out.
OpenAI asserts that its bot, OAI-SearchBot, does not collect data for training new AI models such as GPT-5. The company encourages website owners to allow the bot access to their content to enhance their visibility in search results. However, the effectiveness of SearchGPT is significantly reduced without access to major sites.
The New York Times has taken a leading role in challenging OpenAI and Microsoft, filing a lawsuit against them. The publication claims that these companies are using its content without authorization, harming reader relations and reducing revenue from subscriptions and advertising. Charlie Stadtlander, a representative of The New York Times, stated that the publication does not permit its materials to be used for generative search or AI training without an official agreement.
The ongoing situation with SearchGPT and major news outlets casts uncertainty on the future of search technologies and their interaction with content.
