Meta Reportedly Developing AI-Powered Search Engine

Meta is reportedly creating an AI-powered search engine, as per The Information, with the goal of lessening its dependence on Google and Microsoft. The engine will offer users AI-generated summaries of the latest events, presented via Meta's AI chatbot.

Presently, Meta's AI chatbots integrated into Instagram and Facebook rely on Google (whose parent company Alphabet is scheduled to announce quarterly earnings tomorrow) and Microsoft Bing to respond to inquiries about recent news and events. However, this reliance may shift, as signs emerged months ago of Meta's web crawlers operating online. Sources from The Information reveal that a dedicated team has been developing an information database for the chatbot over the past eight months.

Earlier, Meta advanced in creating location data systems poised to rival Google Maps. Additionally, Bloomberg reported last month that Apple's search tool developed for the App Store demonstrates the capability to develop its own AI-powered search engine, potentially replacing Google Search.

Last week, Meta revealed a multi-year partnership with Reuters, permitting its chatbots to incorporate the news agency's articles into their responses. Media outlets have sought comments from Meta regarding this agreement, but the company has not yet responded.

Simultaneously, OpenAI has confirmed the development of an AI search engine called SearchGPT. On the other hand, Perplexity's AI search engine is encountering legal challenges, including lawsuits from News Corp and threats from other publishers such as The New York Times.