Tech giant Meta is reportedly advancing its capabilities by building an in-house AI-powered search engine, aiming to reduce its reliance on third-party search platforms like Google and Microsoft’s Bing.
Revolutionizing Search with AI
According to a report from The Information on Oct. 28, Meta’s new search engine will offer conversational AI-generated summaries of recent events and information, providing a seamless user experience. The system will be integrated into Meta’s existing AI chatbot, which is already available across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
A Strategic Engineering Push
For the past eight months, Meta’s engineering team has been developing a proprietary database to fuel this advanced search engine. By centralizing its search capabilities, Meta aims to deliver more efficient, relevant, and independent solutions for its users.
Meta’s Shift Toward Independence
Currently, Meta’s AI chatbot depends on Google and Bing for search-related functionalities. The move toward an internal search engine aligns with trends among leading AI innovators. In July, OpenAI revealed its SearchGPT prototype, while Apple has been actively exploring AI tools to replace parts of Google’s search functionalities.
Reintroducing News in a Controlled Environment
Meta recently announced a multi-year partnership with Reuters to integrate AI-powered chat functions into its platforms. This strategic move, revealed on Oct. 25, marks Meta’s return to news content after years of distancing itself from political and news-focused features. Unlike passive news consumption through feeds, the new feature targets users who actively seek out news.
The Road Ahead
Meta’s efforts to innovate with an AI-powered search engine reflect its commitment to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. By providing users with advanced search capabilities and curated content, the company aims to enhance user experience while achieving greater autonomy from external search providers.
