Meta
has been actively working on its own AI-powered search engine for eight months to reduce its dependence on Google and Microsoft Bing. The new search will allow AI event summaries to be integrated directly into the company’s apps such as Instagram and Facebook, and will in the future replace the external search engines currently used.
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Currently, Meta AI bots rely on Google and Bing data to process queries about current events on Instagram and Facebook. However, Meta intends to stop this practice by introducing an internal search engine that will operate solely on the basis of its own database. Integration with existing Meta AI tools is planned, which will allow its AI bots to more autonomously and efficiently process user requests.
One of the most important stages in the creation of the new Meta search system was the introduction of its own search robot, which has been actively indexing information from open sources on the Internet for several months. This makes it possible to create your own extensive database, which will become the basis for the AI bot and ensure Meta independence from external platforms. It is noteworthy that data collection began even before agreements were concluded with news agencies.
In addition to developing search algorithms, Meta also collects geolocation data, which in the future will allow the company to compete with Google Maps. In September, it also became known that Apple was developing its own search tools to improve the experience in the App Store, which demonstrates the tech giants’ shared desire to create independent search services based on AI. As a result, the battle for control of user data is intensifying, and Meta aims to become an important player in this process.
Meta recently entered into a multi-year agreement with the international news agency Reuters, which will provide its AI bot with access to verified information. This partnership is likely to increase user trust in the corporation, and will be an important step towards creating a reliable and up-to-date database for AI search.
Meta isn’t the only company looking to build its own AI search engine. OpenAI has also confirmed the development of a system called SearchGPT. At the same time, Perplexity, another AI search engine, is facing lawsuits from News Corp and threats from other publishers, including The New York Times. These legal challenges highlight the importance of legal regulation for companies developing independent AI search engines, especially if they use content from major media companies.