Meta is reportedly advancing its plans to create an AI-driven search engine, a move that would lessen its reliance on Google and Microsoft for processing search queries. According to sources cited by The Information, this in-house search system will work alongside Meta’s AI chatbot, delivering AI-generated summaries of current events and news directly within Meta’s platforms.
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Presently, Meta’s AI assistant, integrated into Facebook and Instagram, depends on Microsoft’s Bing and Google’s search engine for query processing. However, with Meta’s ongoing efforts, this dependency may soon become obsolete. The timing of this disclosure is noteworthy, as Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is set to release its quarterly financial results tomorrow.
Meta’s Growing AI Search Ambitions
Hints of Meta’s plan to establish a self-sufficient search infrastructure first surfaced months ago when the company’s web crawler began indexing content across the web. These activities signaled a likely shift toward building Meta’s own search capabilities.
Furthermore, The Information reports that a specialized team within Meta has been developing a comprehensive information database for the past eight months, intended to enhance its chatbot’s ability to provide detailed responses. Beyond search capabilities, Meta is also developing location-based services that could challenge Google Maps.
Industry-Wide Shift Toward AI-Powered Search
Meta’s ambitions echo broader movements within the tech industry as companies strive for greater search autonomy. Last month, Bloomberg reported that Apple was enhancing its App Store search capabilities, hinting at the potential for an independent, AI-powered search engine to rival Google’s dominance.
Meta’s Partnership with Reuters Strengthens Content Capabilities
Meta recently secured a multi-year partnership with Reuters, granting its AI assistant access to Reuters’ extensive news archive for response generation. This strategic alliance bolsters Meta’s content resources, positioning the company closer to achieving search independence.
With a strong focus on AI innovation, Meta’s pursuit of an independent search engine signals an evolving landscape where big tech companies are increasingly seeking to diversify their information ecosystems.
